kelpie

1
[ kel-pee ]
See synonyms for kelpie on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. (in Scottish legends) a water spirit, usually having the form of a horse, reputed to cause drownings or to warn those in danger of drowning.

Origin of kelpie

1
First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain

Other definitions for kelpie (2 of 2)

kelpie2
[ kel-pee ]

Origin of kelpie

2
First recorded in 1905–10

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use kelpie in a sentence

  • "It's something like the kelpies and brownies Barby used to tell about that were in England long time ago," said Doris, big-eyed.

    A Little Girl in Old Boston | Amanda Millie Douglas
  • The water-fairies, the more sombre spirits of the woods and mountains, the Kelpies and Nixies, luring men to destruction.

    Myth-Land | F. Edward Hulme
  • Edgar is lost in the quick-sands at Kelpies Flow, in accordance with an ancient prophecy.

  • This is the way kelpies take to announce the fact that some one has gone under the water.

    Fairy Book | Sophie May
  • Kelpies and water horses and water bulls are forms assumed by the Scottish dragon.

    Ancient Man in Britain | Donald A. (Donald Alexander) Mackenzie

British Dictionary definitions for kelpie (1 of 2)

kelpie1

kelpy

/ (ˈkɛlpɪ) /


nounplural -pies
  1. an Australian breed of sheepdog, originally developed from Scottish collies, having a smooth coat of various colours and erect ears

Origin of kelpie

1
named after a particular specimen of the breed, c. 1870

British Dictionary definitions for kelpie (2 of 2)

kelpie2

/ (ˈkɛlpɪ) /


noun
  1. (in Scottish folklore) a water spirit in the form of a horse that drowned its riders

Origin of kelpie

2
C18: probably related to Scottish Gaelic cailpeach heifer, of obscure origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012