noun
(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.
(folklore) A small, magical creature similar to a fairy, often mischievous, playful, or occasionally helpful.
(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.
(by extension) Ellipsis of Christmas elf.
(obsolete) A very diminutive person; a dwarf.
(South Africa) Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).
verb
(now rare) To twist into elflocks (of hair); to mat.