Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—S

Sylphs

according to Middle Age belief, are the elemental spirits of air; so named by the Rosicrucians and Cabalists, from the Greek silphe (a butterfly or moth). (See Gnomes.)

Sylphs.
Any mortal who has preserved inviolate chastity may enjoy intimate familiarity with these gentle spirits. All coquettes at death become sylphs, “and sport and flutter in the fields of air.”

Whoever, fair and chaste,
Rejects mankind, is by some sylph embraced.

Pope: Rape of the Lock, i.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Sylvam Lignum Ferre
Syllogism
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Sylphs from Fact Monster:

  • What does it mean? sylph - sylph -- Listen to the pronunciation: WAV format or AU format You've found the sylph of your ...
  • John Perkins Cushing - John Perkins Cushing merchant, philanthropist Born: 1787 Birthplace: Boston, Mass. At the tender ...
  • Washington Allston - Allston, Washington Allston, Washington , 1779–1843, American painter and author, b. ...

Related Content