Pyxie
/ˈpɪk.si/noun
A variant spelling of “pixie,” or a small evergreen shrub of the southeastern United States.
Did you know?The fairy sense of “pyxie” comes through variant spellings of “pixie,” a word whose ultimate origin remains obscure rather than securely traceable to a known ancient magical tradition.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
English
pixy
“A small supernatural being in English folklore, especially associated with the West Country.”
17th–18th Century
English
pixie
“A variant form of “pixy,” referring to a fairy or mischievous supernatural creature.”
18th–19th Century
English
pyxie
“An alternative spelling of “pixie,” reflecting historical variation in English spelling.”
19th Century
English
pyxie
“A common name for a low-growing evergreen shrub, especially Pyxidanthera barbulata.”
Modern English
English
pyxie
“A spelling variant of “pixie,” or the common name of a small southeastern American shrub.”