kelpie

1
[ kel-pee ]
/ ˈkɛl pi /

noun

(in Scottish legends) a water spirit, usually having the form of a horse, reputed to cause drownings or to warn those in danger of drowning.

Origin of kelpie

1
First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain

Words nearby kelpie

Definition for kelpie (2 of 2)

kelpie 2
[ kel-pee ]
/ ˈkɛl pi /

noun

Origin of kelpie

2
First recorded in 1905–10

Example sentences from the Web for kelpie

British Dictionary definitions for kelpie (1 of 2)

kelpie 1

kelpy

/ (ˈkɛlpɪ) /

noun plural -pies

an Australian breed of sheepdog, originally developed from Scottish collies, having a smooth coat of various colours and erect ears

Word Origin for kelpie

named after a particular specimen of the breed, c. 1870

British Dictionary definitions for kelpie (2 of 2)

kelpie 2
/ (ˈkɛlpɪ) /

noun

(in Scottish folklore) a water spirit in the form of a horse that drowned its riders

Word Origin for kelpie

C18: probably related to Scottish Gaelic cailpeach heifer, of obscure origin