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.
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