Definition of "elf" in Englisch

noun

1. (Germanic mythology) A supernatural being or spirit associated with illness, mischief, and harmful or dangerous magical influence; in later Norse sources, sometimes divided into benevolent light elves (inhabiting Álfheimr) and malevolent dark elves.

2. (folklore) A small, magical creature similar to a fairy, often mischievous, playful, or occasionally helpful.

3. (fantasy) A member of a race of tall, slender, graceful beings with pointed ears, typically immortal or very long-lived and possessing wisdom and magical abilities.

4. (by extension) Ellipsis of Christmas elf.

5. (obsolete) A very diminutive person; a dwarf.

6. (South Africa) Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).

verb

1. (now rare) To twist into elflocks (of hair); to mat.