I. ˈelk, ˈeu̇k noun
( plural elk or elks )
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Old English eolh; akin to Old High German elaho elk, Old Norse elgr, Greek elaphos deer, Old Irish elit roe deer, Armenian eln deer, Sanskrit ṛśya male of a species of antelope
1. plural usually elk
a. : the largest existing deer ( Alces alces ) of Europe and Asia resembling the moose of No. America but not so large and found in parts of Scandinavia, Germany, Russia, and Siberia
b. : wapiti
c. : any of various large Asiatic deer (as the sambar)
2. : soft tanned rugged cattlehide leather used for work shoes, sport shoes — called also smoked elk
3. plural elks , usually capitalized : a member of one of the major benevolent and fraternal orders
4. : lama 2
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
dialect England : a wild goose or swan