kobold
Americannoun
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a spirit or goblin, often mischievous, that haunts houses.
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a spirit that haunts mines or other underground places.
noun
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a mischievous household sprite
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a spirit that haunts subterranean places, such as mines
Etymology
Origin of kobold
Borrowed into English from German in 1625–35
Explanation
A kobold is a mischievous spirit or gnome from German folklore. In children's books kobolds are usually pictured wearing pointy red hats. As household spirits, kobolds are said to perform chores, like tidying or cleaning up. But because they're pranksters, they are also famous for hiding things, tripping people, or otherwise being naughty. They're a little bit scary, too, resorting to cruelty or violence when crossed. The word kobald means "household gremlin" in German, from kob, "house or chamber."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a typical game, online or off, the game master will present the players with a situation — an encounter with a kobold, say.
From New York Times ● Mar. 6, 2021
Saxe and the guide slept, and Dale was keenly awake watching for the kobold who disturbed their peace.
From The Crystal Hunters A Boy's Adventures in the Higher Alps by Frederic William Burton
The kobold of the phantom ship is named Klabot´erman, a kobold who helps sailors at their work, but beats those who are idle.
From Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1 A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer
When a vessel is doomed the kobold appears smoking a short pipe, dressed in yellow, and wearing a night-cap.
From Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1 A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer
Balder was also endeavoring to climb up the other side of the sofa, so that the sleeping child opened her large blue eyes again and stared with a frightened gaze at the black kobold.
From The Children of the World by Paul Heyse
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