[elk] n, pl elks [ME, prob. fr. OE eolh; akin to OHG elaho elk, Gk elaphos deer] (bef. 12c) 1 pl usu 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 cap [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks]: a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order