el·vish \ˈelvish, -vēsh\adjective Etymology: Middle English elvissh, from elf + -issh -ish 1.: of or relating to elves : being or like elves < elvish tricks disturbed the cattle > < ugly shrunken elvish men > 2.: characteristic of or like that of elves < elvish laughter > a.: mischievous b.: spiteful c.: irritating • el·vish·lyadverb