| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Goblin. | | |
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A familiar demon. According to popular belief goblins dwelt in private houses and chinks of trees. As a specimen of forced etymology, it may be mentioned that Elf and Goblin have been derived from Guelph and Ghibelline. (French, gobelin, a lubber-fiend; Armoric gobylin; German kobold, the demon of mines; Greek, kobalos; Russian, colfy; Welsh coblyn, a “knocker;” whence the woodpecker is called in Welsh “coblyn y coed.”) (See FAIRY.) | 1 |
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