n.
Pronunciation: ' elk
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural elks
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Old English eolh; akin to Old High German elaho elk, Greek elaphos deer
Date: before 12th century
1 plural usually elk a : MOOSE 1 ― used for one of the Old World b : a large gregarious deer ( Cervus elaphus ) of No. America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa ― called also red deer wapiti c : any of various large Asian deer
2 : soft tanned rugged leather
3 capitalized [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order