elsin

noun

el·​sin
variants or elshin or elson
ˈels(h)ə̇n
plural -s
dialectal, British
: a shoemaker's awl

Word History

Etymology

Middle English elsen, probably from Middle Dutch elsene, else; akin to Old High German alunsa, alansa awl, German dialect (Swiss) alesne, (assumed) Gothic alisna (whence Old Spanish alesna), Old Norse alr

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near elsin

Cite this Entry

“Elsin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elsin. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!