elfish, a.
(ˈɛlfɪʃ)
[f. elf + -ish.]
Pertaining to elves; weird, spectral; of the nature of an elf, resembling an elf; tricksy, mischievous; formerly also of inanimate things, unmanageable, intractable. See elvish.
The older form elvish is still the more usual; but in some connexions elfish might be preferred on account of its more obvious relation to the primitive n.
| 1542 Udall Erasm. Apoph. 296 b, The Cypres tree..is elfishe and frowarde to spryng vp. 1583 Stanyhurst Aeneis ii. (Arb.) 68 The goast of verye Creüsa..mad her elfish aparance. a 1791 Yng. Tom Line xv. in Child Ballads ii. 343/2 If my lord were an earthly knight, As he's an elfish grey. 1798 Coleridge Anc. Mariner iv. xii, The elfish light Fell off in hoary flakes. a 1802 Yng. Tamlane xxxii. in Child Ballads ii. 354/2 Then would I never tire..In Elfish land to dwell. 1856 Kane Arct. Expl. I. xxviii. 372 Three men, Ootuniak, our elfish rogue Myouk, and a stranger. 1876 Freeman Norm. Conq. I. App. 770 The elfish names are mainly English. |