Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—G

Goblin

A familiar demon. According to popular belief goblins dwelt in private houses and chinks of trees. As a specimen of forced etymology, it may be mentioned that Elf and Goblin have been derived from Guelph and Ghibelline. (French, gobelin, a lubber-fiend; Armoric gobylin; German kobold, the demon of mines; Greek, kobalos; Russian, colfy; Welsh coblyn, a “knocker;” whence the woodpecker is called in Welsh “coblyn y coed.”) (See Fairy.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Goblin Cave
Gobelin Tapestry
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