Elf

n.; pl. ELVES. [A-S. elf, ælf, ylf, m., elf, sprite, elfen, f., fairy; Icel. álfr, Sw. elf, Dan. elv, N. H. Ger. elb, elf, O. H. Ger. alp, originally probably a spirit or demon of the mountains, from Celtic alp, alp, mountain. Cf. ALF.] 1. An imaginary being, supposed to exert a mysterious power over man; a diminutive spirit, supposed to inhabit wild and desert places, and to delight in mischievous tricks. Every elf, and fairy sprite, Hop as light as bird from brier. Shak. 2. A diminutive person; a dwarf. [Written also elve.]