I've watched a film in the internet, where this topic (of burning times, of witch-hunts) was explored.
Perhaps many would disagree, but not all of killed people were witches, yet they were called such during the trials.
Conclusion of this film was that term 'Witch' was used to accuse individuals unwelcomed by land-rulers.
'So... this guy is problematic and needs to be killed. We have no law reason to do so? Let's just call him/her a Witch'.
While there were people who truly hated witchcraft, many were tolerant... as the wise women were good at herbalism and at healing common peasants. Landowners tended to ignore them, as they were useful - not only because peasant morale-raising practices.
During the 'Burning Times', real Witches were a minority among people accused of Witchcraft and killed because of that reason.
Also, i think that term: 'Witch' was used in Sectarian Wars, between Catholics, Protestants and Lutherans, probably Calvinists as well.
(by definition, Sect is movement of religious protest).
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