ouija

Trademark.

1. a device consisting of a small board, or planchette, on legs that rest on a larger board marked with words, letters of the alphabet, etc., and that by moving over the larger board and touching the words, letters, etc., while the fingers of spiritualists, mediums, or others rest lightly upon it, is employed to answer questions, give messages, etc.

1891, a trademark name (originally by Kennard Novelty Co., Baltimore, Md.), compounded from French oui + German ja, both meaning “yes.”