goblins

Noun

goblin (plural goblins)

1. Traditionally, a supernatural being of folklore, typically small and grotesque or misshapen, that commonly haunts dark places, often mischievous or malevolent; a type of evil elf, sprite, or demon.
   • From yͤ hagg & hungry Goblin,
     yͭ into raggs would rend yee,
     & yͤ spirit yͭ stand’s by yͤ naked man,c. 1620, anonymous, “Tom o’ Bedlam’s Song” in Giles Earle his Booke (British Museum, Additional MSS. 24, 665)
2. In later fantasy literature, an evil and grotesquely ugly humanoid, typically powerful and warlike, often associated with orcs and trolls.
   • At last the goblins had a chance to rid themselves of one of the troublesome defenders, and two goblin warriors snatched the opportunity.2006, Charlotte Bishop, Norty: The Chosen Ones, page 187
3. A hoodoo.
   • Layers of sandstone serve as capstones of pillars and buttes; other layers of differing hardness yield erosional goblins of myriad form.1975 June, United States Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System Draft Environmental Impact Statement part V: North Border, volume 1, page 209