Mediaeval phantoms were commonly referred to as revenants. There are reports of spectres floating through walls, like a transparent sheet or sail floating through the air. Some of the apparitions were described as being much more unhappy and paler than they had been in life and were dressed in ragged clothing. But many seem to be far more palpable than how we imagine a spirit to be today. There are reports of ghosts being grappled with and physically held until a priest could come and hear their confession and enable them to leave their earthly prison.