Fetichism
or 2d and 4th centuries. is said to be derived from the Portuguese word fetiso, bewitched, and was applied originally to the objects worshiped by the negroes of Africa. The term is applied to anything in nature or art to which a magical power is ascribed, as the negroes of Africa. The term is ap- plied to anything in nature or art to the worship of material substances, and prevails very extensively among barbarous nations. Among them, tribes, families, and individuals have their respective fetiches; which are often objects ous nations. Among them, tribes, families, and individuals have their respecdoes not hesitate to chastise, or even throw away or destroy his fetich, if it does not seem to gratify his desires.