a. [f. ELF + -ISH.] Pertaining to elves; weird, spectral; of the nature of an elf, resembling an elf; tricksy, mischievous; formerly also of inanimate things, unmanageable, intractable. See ELVISH.
The older form ELVISH is still the more usual; but in some connections elfish might be preferred on account of its more obvious relation to the primitive sb.
1542. Udall, Erasm. Apoph., 296 b. The Cypres tree … is elfishe and frowarde to spryng vp.
1583. Stanyhurst, Æneis, II. (Arb.), 68. The goast of verye Creüsa … mad her elfish aparance.
a. 1791. Yng. Tom Line, xv. in Child, Ballads, II. 343/2. If my lord were an earthly knight, As he’s an elfish grey.
1798. Coleridge, Anc. Mariner, IV. xii. The elfish light Fell off in hoary flakes.
a. 1802. Yng. Tamlane, xxxii. in Child, Ballads, II. 354/2. Then would I never tire … In Elfish land to dwell.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., I. xxviii. 372. Three men, Ootuniah, our elfish rogue Myouk, and a stranger.
1876. Freeman, Norm. Conq., I. App. 770. The elfish names are mainly English.
