Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Elf \Elf\ ([e^]lf), n.; pl. Elves ([e^]lvz). [AS. [ae]lf, ylf;
akin to MHG. alp, G. alp nightmare, incubus, Icel. [=a]lfr
elf, Sw. alf, elfva; cf. Skr. [.r]bhu skillful, artful, rabh
to grasp. Cf. Auf, Oaf.]
1. An imaginary supernatural being, commonly a little sprite,
much like a fairy; a mythological diminutive spirit,
supposed to haunt hills and wild places, and generally
represented as delighting in mischievous tricks.
[1913 Webster]
Every elf, and fairy sprite,
Hop as light as bird from brier. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. A very diminutive person; a dwarf.
[1913 Webster]
Elf arrow, a flint arrowhead; -- so called by the English
rural folk who often find these objects of prehistoric
make in the fields and formerly attributed them to
fairies; -- called also elf bolt, elf dart, and elfshot.
Elf child, a child supposed to be left by elves, in room of
one they had stolen. See Changeling.
Elf fire, the ignis fatuus. --Brewer.
Elf owl (Zo["o]l.), a small owl (Micrathene Whitneyi) of
Southern California and Arizona.
[1913 Webster]
Dictionary
top
