elfin

English

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɛlfɪn/, SAMPA: /"ElfIn/

  Rhymes: -ɛlfɪn

Etymology 1

From Middle English elven, from Old English elfen, ælfen (“nymph, spirit, fairy”), diminutive of elf, ælf (“elf”), equivalent to elf +‎ -en. Cognate with Middle High German elbinne (“a fairy, nymph”).

Noun

elfin (plural elfins)

1. An elf; an inhabitant of fairy-land.
2. A little urchin or child.

Etymology 2

Partly from attributive use of Etymology 1, but reanalysed by Spenser as if equivalent to elf +‎ -en.

Adjective

elfin (comparative more elfin, superlative most elfin)

1. Relating to or resembling an elf, especially in its tiny size or features.

Synonyms

• elvish