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

kelpie

²

/ ˈkɛlpɪ /

noun

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

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

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

Origin of kelpie²

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

Example Sentences

It is said; and you know of old that the Kelpie sings or plays a strange tune to wile seamen to their death.

From Project Gutenberg

A like fate nearly befell the writer when fishing alone one day in a gloomy, forsaken, kelpie-haunted Border hill loch.

From Project Gutenberg

For the first hour and a half of that memorable sail, the Kelpie ran lightly before a delicate breeze.

From Project Gutenberg

And now do I believe that they are still at play in the crystal halls of the water kelpie, whence no man can rescue them.

From Project Gutenberg

Had Ghaoth slain the kelpie, and was he now perishing there with his teeth fixed in the neck of the Sea-Woman?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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