Elfin Definition
ĕlfĭn
adjective
Relating to or suggestive of an elf.
American Heritage
Of or like an elf; tiny, delicate, etc.
Webster's New World
Made, done, or produced by an elf.
American Heritage
Small and sprightly or mischievous.
American Heritage
Having a magical quality or charm; fairylike.
Moved across the dimly lit stage with elfin grace.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
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Other Word Forms of Elfin
Noun
Singular:
elfin
Plural:
elfinsOrigin of Elfin
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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”).
From Wiktionary
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Probably from Middle English elvene pl. of elve elf from Old English -elfen (as in wuduelfen dryad) albho- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
Partly from attributive use of Etymology 1, but reanalysed by Spenser as if equivalent to elf + -en.
From Wiktionary
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