elf arrow

English

Etymology

From the folk belief that they were used by elves.

Noun

elf arrow (plural elf arrows)

1. A prehistoric flint arrowhead.

   Synonyms: elf-shot, fairy dart

2. An elf-bolt or belemnite.
3. (folklore, fantasy) An arrow of magical abilities used by elves or other mythological beings.
   • 1828, Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology, volume I, London: William Harrison Ainsworth, page 262:

     When they want beef or mutton on any festal occasion, they betake themselves to the Shetlanders' scatkolds or townmails, and with elf-arrows bring down their game.