elfin

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɛlfɪn/

adjective

  • 1(of a person or their face) small and delicate, typically with a mischievous charm: her black hair suited her elfin face
  • 2relating to elves: an enchanted world of fairies in elfin glades

noun

  • 1 archaic an elf.
  • 2a small North American butterfly that is typically brownish with markings on the wing margins that give the impression of scalloped edges.
    • Genus Incisalia, family Lycaenidae

Origin:

late 16th century: from elf, probably suggested by Middle English elvene 'of elves', and by Elphin, the name of a character in Arthurian romance