kobold

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kobold (in G. folk-lore) familiar spirit, goblin. XIX. — G. kobold, MHG. kobolt = MDu. cobout (Du. kabouter), perh. for *kobwalt, f. kobe house, COVE1 + stem of walten rule (see WIELD); cf. OE. cofgodas, -godu ‘house-gods’, lares and penates.

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