Guĕlf or Guĕlph, n.

(gwĕlf), n. [It. Guelfo, O. Ger. Hwelfo, from O. H. Ger. hwelf, O. Sax. & A-S. hwelp, Icel. hvelpr, Eng. whelp.] (Hist.) One of a faction in Italy, A. D. 1250–1500, which supported the pope, and opposed the Ghibelines, or faction of the emperor.