Definition

Proper noun: * A mischievous sprite of English folklore: Robin Goodfellow is a specific, named character in traditional English stories, known as a type of fairy or hobgoblin who plays tricks on humans but can also be helpful.

Usage

• Robin Goodfellow is used as a name to refer to this specific folklore character. It is often capitalized as it is a proper noun.
• The name is synonymous with playful mischief and supernatural trickery from English tradition.

Examples

• In the story, Robin Goodfellow changed milk into ale and led travelers astray with his lights.
• The tale describes Robin Goodfellow as a creature who could shape-shift and perform household chores if treated well.
• Shakespeare featured Robin Goodfellow as "Puck" in his play .

Advanced Usage

• The character of Robin Goodfellow is often used in literary and cultural discussions to represent the archetype of the trickster fairy in English mythology.
• His name is sometimes invoked poetically to describe someone who is mischievous or elfish.

Variants and Related Words

• Puck (proper noun): Another name for the same character, popularized by William Shakespeare.
• Hobgoblin (noun): A broader term for a mischievous or frightening goblin; Robin Goodfellow is considered a type of hobgoblin.
• Sprite (noun): A general term for a small, supernatural being like a fairy or elf.

Synonyms

• Puck
• Hobgoblin (in specific context)
• Trickster sprite

Related Idioms and Phrases

• (As) mischievous as Robin Goodfellow: Used to describe someone who is very playful and fond of pranks.
  • The children were as mischievous as Robin Goodfellow, hiding all the spoons.

Noun

1. a mischievous sprite of English folklore