elle-maid

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “I think the first element is Danish, but the term does not occur in Wiktionary”)

elle-maid (plural elle-maids)

1. (mythology) A type of female elf of Scandinavian folklore.
   • 1828, Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology, volume II, London: William Harrison Ainsworth, page 33:

     The Wilde Frauen or Wild-women of Germany bear a very strong resemblance to the Elle-maids of Scandinavia. Like them they are beautiful, have fine flowing hair, live within hills, and only appear singly or in the society of each other.