Goblin
/ˈɡɒb.lɪn/noun
A mischievous or malevolent supernatural creature in folklore.
Did you know?The word is first recorded in medieval Latin and Old French as a term for a malignant spirit or demon-like being, showing how everyday fantasy language was once part of serious supernatural belief.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Latin
ML
gobelinus
“a goblin; an evil spirit or demon”
Old French
OF
gobelin
“a goblin or malicious sprite”
Middle English
ME
gobelyn
“a mischievous or evil spirit”
Modern English
EN
goblin
“a small grotesque or malicious supernatural creature in folklore”