fairie

Noun

fairy (countable and uncountable, plural fairies)

1. A mythical being of human form with magical powers, known in many sizes and descriptions, although typically depicted as a small sprite with gauze-like wings, especially one that is female. Fairies are revered in some modern forms of paganism.
   • But for a dreſſing for her head
     I thinke for her I haue a Tyer,
     That all Fayryes ſhall admyre.1630, Michael Drayton, The Muses Elizium, Lately diſcouered, by a New Way over Parnassvs, London: Thomas Harper, page 67
2. (derogatory, slang) A male homosexual, especially one who is effeminate.

   Synonyms:

   fag, faggot, poof

3. (derogatory, slang) An effeminate man or boy.
   • The cripple returned the smile and stuck out his hand. Miss Lonelyhearts clasped it, and they stood this way, smiling and holding hands, until Mrs. Doyle reëntered the room.
     "What a sweet pair of fairies you guys are," she said.
     The cripple pulled his hand away and made as though to strike his wife.1933, Nathanael West, 'Miss Lonelyhearts' : [Miss Lonelyhearts is male.]
4. (colloquial) An attractive young woman; a small, graceful woman.
   • "When are we going to see this fairy?" demanded Algy.
     "You, personally, never. You're far too immoral. I might let the others look at her from a distance in a year or two."1920, H. C. McNeile "Snapper", 'Bulldog Drummond'
5. An enchantress, or creature of overpowering charm.

   Synonyms:

   fay, fey, fae, sprite, goblin

6. A member of two species of hummingbird in the genus Heliothryx.

See all 11 meanings of fairy