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elflike

 - 2 dictionary results

elf

  [elf]
Use elflike in a Sentence
–noun, plural elves  [elvz] .
1. (in folklore) one of a class of preternatural beings, esp. from mountainous regions, with magical powers, given to capricious and often mischievous interference in human affairs, and usually imagined to be a diminutive being in human form; sprite; fairy.
2. a diminutive person, esp. a child.
3. a mischievous person, esp. a child.
Origin:
bef. 1000; ME, back formation from elven, OE elfen nymph (i.e., female elf), var. of ælfen; see elfin

Related forms:
elflike, adjective

Synonyms:
1. See fairy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

elf 
"race of powerful supernatural beings in Gmc. folklore," O.E. elf, ælf, from P.Gmc. *albiz, origin unknown, possibly from PIE *albho- "white." A popular component in Anglo-Saxon names, many of which survive as modern given names and surnames, cf. Ælfræd "Elf-counsel" (Alfred), Ælfwine "Elf-friend" (Alvin), Ælfric "Elf-ruler" (Eldridge), also women's names such as Ælfflæd "Elf-beauty." Elf Lock hair tangled, especially by Queen Mab, "which it was not fortunate to disentangle" [according to Robert Nares' glossary of Shakespeare] is from 1592. Elvish (adj.) attested from c.1340.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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