elle-people

English

Etymology

Calque of Danish ellefolk.

Noun

elle-people pl (plural only)

1. (mythology) A type of elf of Scandinavian folklore.

   Synonym: elle-folk

   • 1828, Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology, volume I, London: William Harrison Ainsworth, page 140:

     It is also necessary to watch cattle so that they may not graze in any place where the Elle-people have been. If any animal goes to a place where the Elle-people have spit or done what is worse, it is attacked by some grievous disease, which can only be cured by giving it a handful of St. John's wort, which was pulled at twelve o'clock on St. John's night.

   • 1861, Dinah Craik, Romantic Tales, Leipzip: Berhard Tauchnitz, page 164:

     "I tremble at the very thought of the Elle-people of whom our villagers tell, while thou hast not a single fear. Why is it, sister?"