kelpie

¹

[kel-pee]

noun

1. (in Scottish legends) a water spirit, usually having the form of a horse, reputed to cause drownings or to warn those in danger of drowning.

kelpie

²

[kel-pee]

noun

1. Australian kelpie.

kelpie

¹

/ ˈkɛlpɪ /

noun

1. an Australian breed of sheepdog, originally developed from Scottish collies, having a smooth coat of various colours and erect ears

kelpie

²

/ ˈkɛlpɪ /

noun

1. (in Scottish folklore) a water spirit in the form of a horse that drowned its riders

Word History and Origins

Origin of kelpie¹

First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain

Origin of kelpie²

First recorded in 1905–10

Word History and Origins

Origin of kelpie¹

named after a particular specimen of the breed, c. 1870

Origin of kelpie²

C18: probably related to Scottish Gaelic cailpeach heifer, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

One of the couple’s three dogs, an Australian kelpie mix named Zinna, was found dead in a crate in their home when the couple were discovered on Feb. 26.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His kelpie dropped a ball at my feet, tail wagging, and I threw it without thinking.

Read more on New York Times

Thanks to farmer James for showing Jodie and me some five week old kelpie pups at the Sydney Royal @eastershow this morning.

Read more on Washington Post

Meanwhile the world’s largest kelpie continues to evade capture in Loch Ness and appears to have developed a positive thirst for publicity.

Read more on Literature

A kelpie thought to be the world’s oldest dog has died at home on a dairy farm in the Australian state of Victoria.

Read more on The Guardian

Related Words

• demon 
• devil 
• phantom 
• shadow 
• soul 
• specter 
• vampire 
• vision