kelpie
1[ kel-pee ]
/ ˈkɛl pi /
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noun
(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.
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Origin of kelpie
1First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain
Words nearby kelpie
Definition for kelpie (2 of 2)
Origin of kelpie
2First recorded in 1905–10
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for kelpie (1 of 2)
kelpie1
kelpy
/ (ˈkɛlpɪ) /
noun plural -pies
an Australian breed of sheepdog, originally developed from Scottish collies, having a smooth coat of various colours and erect ears
Word Origin for kelpie
named after a particular specimen of the breed, c. 1870
British Dictionary definitions for kelpie (2 of 2)
kelpie2
/ (ˈkɛlpɪ) /
noun
(in Scottish folklore) a water spirit in the form of a horse that drowned its riders
Word Origin for kelpie
C18: probably related to Scottish Gaelic cailpeach heifer, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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