elfist

Etymology

From elf + -ist.

Why this word is great

ELFIST — [Noun] One who believes in elves. From elf ("mythical being") + -ist ("one who adheres to a belief or practice"). Unlike "elfkin" (which refers to elves themselves) or "elf-lady" (which denotes a noblewoman associated with elves), an elfist is a human who clings to the old enchantments. They are the ones who leave milk out for unseen visitors, who trace the rings in the grass at dawn and call them fairy dances, who swear they heard laughter in the birch leaves when no wind stirred—proof that wonder persists even in a world determined to explain it away.

noun

  1. One who believes in elves.“Consider: If another, more rationalistic elfist were to specify an empirical method whereby we could detect his elusive critters, then it would at least be possible (if this method were to fail) to weaken the case for elfism.”