The modern word "witch-hunt" is used in reference to the way people were treated during the witch trials, rather than a direct reference to the word "witch" its

The modern word "witch-hunt" is used in reference to the way people were treated during the witch trials, rather than a direct reference to the word "witch" itself. I have never heard of anybody using the word "witch" to describe the subject of a witch-hunt. In fact, the entire point of the word is to express doubt that the subject being 'hunted' is actually guilty of whatever they were accused.