ˈelf-shot
[f. elf n.1 + shot.]
1. ‘Disease, supposed to be produced by the immediate agency of evil spirits’ (Jam.).
| [c 1000 Ags. Leechd. III. 54 Ylfa ᵹescot.] 1681 Glanvill Sadducismus (1726) 398 The sickness of William Black was an Elf-shot. 1841 Borrow Zincali (1843) I. i. viii. 148 Shepherds and cowherds are most exposed to the effects of the elf-shot. |
2. Sc. A flint arrow-head; see quot.
| 1769 Pennant Tour Scotl. (1774) 101 Elf-shots..are supposed to be weapons shot by fairies at cattle. |