[elf] n, pl elves [ME, fr. OE aelf; akin to ON alfr elf & perh. to L albus white--more at alb] (bef. 12c) 1: a small often mischievous fairy
2: a small lively creature; also: a usu. lively mischievous or malicious person -- elf.ish adj -- elf.ish.ly adv