E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
A familiar demon. According to popular belief goblins dwelt in private houses and chinks of trees. As a specimen of forced etymology, it may be mentioned that Elf and Goblin have been derived from Guelph and Ghibelline. (French, gobelin, a lubber-fiend; Armoric gobylin; German kobold, the demon of mines; Greek, kobalos; Russian, colfy; Welsh coblyn, a knocker; whence the woodpecker is called in Welsh coblyn y coed.) (See FAIRY.)