clurichaun

English

A clurichaun

Alternative forms

• cluracan, cluracaun, cluricaun, cluricaune, clúrachán

Etymology

From Irish clobhair-ceann.
This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.

Noun

clurichaun (plural clurichauns)

1. (Irish folklore) A mischievous, potentially malicious fairy, akin to the leprechaun, that greatly loves drinking and tends to haunt breweries, pubs and wine cellars.
   • 2012, Sirona Knight, Wiccan Spell A Night, Kensington Publishing, unnumbered page:

     The residents of a house would leave offerings for the clurichaun, who sing in Gaelic with enchantingly beautiful voices. Related to leprechauns, clurichauns are house faeries who specialize in caring for and protecting wine and beer cellars.

   • 2016, Keith B. Darrell, Flashbacks: Fangs & Fur, Book 1, Amber Book Company, unnumbered page,

     "Clurichauns are Dark Fae cousins of leprechauns," Aurae explained. "Unlike their Seelie Court cousins, the clurichauns drink to excess and are seldom sober. But despite always being drunk, the clurichauns are impeccably groomed and well-dressed... although they can be a bit surly."

Usage notes

• Sometimes described as a trickster.
• Others claim that a well-looked-after clurichaun will care for and protect one's cellar.

Further reading

• Irish folklore on Wikipedia.Wikipedia