elf

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elf

elf in Germanic mythology, a type of fairy. Usually represented as tiny people, elves are said to dwell in forests, in the sea, and in the air. Although they can be friendly to man, they are more frequently vengeful and mischievous.

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"elf." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"elf." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (December 17, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-elf.html

"elf." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-elf.html

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elf

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Â© The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 2006, originally published by Oxford University Press 2006. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

elf a supernatural creature of folk tales, typically represented as a small, delicate, elusive figure in human form with pointed ears, magical powers, and a capricious nature. The word is recorded from Old English and is of Germanic origin; related to German Alp ‘nightmare’.
elf-arrow a name for a flint arrowhead (regarded as an elves' weapon).
elf-locks a tangled mass of hair, as said to have been tangled by supernatural agency.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "elf." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "elf." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (December 17, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-elf.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "elf." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-elf.html

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elf

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

elf dwarf supernatural being OE.; mischievous creature XVI. OE. elf, WS. *ielf, ylf = MDu. elf, beside MHG. elbe fem. :- *albiz, parallel to *albaz, whence OE. ælf (ME. pl. alven) = OS., MLG. alf, MHG. alp (G. alp nightmare), ON. álfr.
Hence elfin adj. XVI (poss. suggested by ME. elevene, g. pl. of elf), elfish XVI, elvish XIV.

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T. F. HOAD. "elf." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "elf." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (December 17, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-elf.html

T. F. HOAD. "elf." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-elf.html

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