n. & adj.
--n. (pl. -ies)
1. a small imaginary being with magical powers.
2 sl. derog. a male homosexual.
--adj. of fairies, fairy-like, delicate, small.
Phrases and idioms:
fairy cake a small individual iced sponge cake. fairy cycle a small bicycle for a child. fairy godmother a benefactress. fairy lights small coloured lights esp. for outdoor decoration. fairy ring a ring of darker grass caused by fungi. fairy story (or tale)
1. a tale about fairies.
2 an incredible story; a fabrication.
Derivatives:
fairy-like adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF faerie f. fae FAY