goblin
UK[ˈɡɒblɪn]US[ˈɡɑːblɪn]
n
A small, ugly, and often mischievous or evil creature in folklore.
Etymology
The word 'goblin' entered English in the 14th century from the Old French 'gobelin', which was likely a diminutive form derived from the Medieval Latin 'gobelinus'. This Latin term is thought to be connected to the Greek 'kobalos', meaning "rogue" or "knave," a mischievous spirit. The term's journey reflects a common pattern in folklore where names for troublesome supernatural beings are borrowed and adapted across cultures, solidifying the concept of a small, malicious creature distinct from larger monsters or benevolent fairies.
Analysis
The word 'goblin' is a simplex loanword from Old French. It does not contain separable, productive morphemes within modern English spelling.
Examples
The old tale warned children that a goblin lived in the cave and would play tricks on them.
In the fantasy game, players must defeat a horde of goblins to reach the castle.
He decorated the garden with a statue of a grinning goblin for Halloween.