Main Entry:

elk

Pronunciation:

\ˈelk\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural elks

Etymology:

Middle English, probably from Old English eolh; akin to Old High German elaho elk, Greek elaphos deer

Date:

before 12th century

1plural usually elk a: moose 1 —used for one of the Old World b: a large gregarious deer (Cervus elaphus) of North America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa —called also red deer wapiti c: any of various large Asian deer2: soft tanned rugged leather3capitalized [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order