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

1 plural 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 deer
2 : soft tanned rugged leather
3 capitalized [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order