leprechaun
[lep-ruh-kawn, -kon]
- a dwarf or sprite.
- a conventionalized literary representation of this figure as a little old man who will reveal the location of a hidden crock of gold to anyone who catches him.
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Origin of leprechaun
1595–1605; < Irish leipreachán, lucharachán, MIr luchrapán, lupra(c)cán, metathesized forms of Old Irish lúchorp(án), equivalent to lú- small + corp body (< Latin corpus) + -án diminutive suffix
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for leprechaun
Contemporary Examples
Entertainment Weekly named this 2003 movie, the sixth in the Leprechaun series, one of the 25 Worst Sequels Ever Made.
Historical Examples
A new light of respect and fear came into the Leprechaun's eyes.
David and the PhoenixEdward Ormondroyd
In a trice the Phoenix had pounced on the Leprechaun and pinned him to the ground.
David and the PhoenixEdward Ormondroyd
The Leprechaun's fright was so genuine now that the Phoenix relented and let him go.
David and the PhoenixEdward Ormondroyd
And so you call my son a leprechaun, and he has legs like raipin' hooks!
Phelim O'toole's Courtship and Other StoriesWilliam Carleton
But there are some say "No, that is not the Amadn-na-Briona, that is the leprechaun."
leprechaun
- (in Irish folklore) a mischievous elf, often believed to have a treasure hoard
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Word Origin
C17: from Irish Gaelic leipreachān, from Middle Irish lūchorpān, from lū small + corp body, from Latin corpus body
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for leprechaun
n.
c.1600, from Irish lupracan, metathesis from Old Irish luchorpan literally "a very small body," from lu "little" (from PIE *legwh- "having little weight;" see light (adj.)) + corpan, diminutive of corp "body," from Latin corpus "body" (see corporeal). Commonly spelled lubrican in 17c. English. Leithbragan is Irish folk etymology, from leith "half" + brog "brogue," because the spirit was "supposed to be always employed in making or mending a single shoe."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper