Late 19th century. From Haitian Creole papalwa from Yoruba babaláwo priest devoted to Ifá divination, after French papa father. Compare earlier Babalawo.
Definition of papaloi in US English:
papaloi
(also papa loa, papa loi)
nounˈpapəlwɑː
Chiefly in Haiti: a male voodoo priest.
Origin
Late 19th century. From Haitian Creole papalwa from Yoruba babaláwo priest devoted to Ifá divination, after French papa father. Compare earlier Babalawo.