elk2 (elk)

[E. dial., formerly also elke, ilke; ME. not found; perhaps a corruption of AS. elfetu, ylfete (for * ylfetu ), earlier (Kentish) ael bitu = OHG. alpiz, elbiz, MHG. elbez, a swan.] The wild swan, or hooper, Cygnus fer us. Mon tagu. [Local, Eng.] In water black as Styx, swims the wild swan, the ilke, Of Hollænders so termed. Drayton, Polyolbion, xxv. elk3 (elk), n. [Origin uncertain; It. elce, dial. (Sard in i an) elighe = Pr. euze = F. yeuse,