From Provençal 'masco' (witch) — a mascot was originally a sorcerous good-luck charm, popularized by an 1880 French operetta.
A person, animal, or object adopted by a group as a symbolic figure, especially to bring good luck.
From French 'mascotte' (lucky charm), from Provençal 'mascoto' (sorcery, fetish), from 'masco' (witch). Popularized by Edmond Audran's 1880 operetta 'La Mascotte,' about a girl who brings good luck as long as she remains a virgin. Key roots: masco (Provençal: "witch, sorceress").
Every sports mascot is etymologically a witch. Provençal 'masco' meant 'witch' or 'sorceress,' and 'mascoto' was a sorcerous charm. The word entered mainstream French through an 1880 operetta about a virgin farm girl whose chastity brought supernatural luck. American sports teams adopted the concept