ˈgäblə̇n noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English gobelin, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin gobelinus, from (assumed) Medieval Latin gobelus goblin, modification of Greek kobalos rogue, spirit resembling a satyr
: an ugly or grotesque sprite sometimes conceived as evil and malicious and sometimes as merely playful and mischievous
goblins haunt from fire or fen — William Collins †1759
an amiable goblin attached to the old house from time immemorial — British Book News