Word Origin & History
c.1600, from Irish lupracan, metathesis from Old Irish luchorpan literally "a very small body," from lu "little" (from PIE *legwh- "having little weight;" see light (adj.)) + corpan, diminutive of corp "body," from Latin corpus "body" (see corporeal). Commonly spelled lubrican in 17c. English. Leithbragan is Irish folk etymology, from leith "half" + brog "brogue," because the spirit was "supposed to be always employed in making or mending a single shoe."
Example Sentences forleprechaun
In a trice the Phoenix had pounced on the Leprechaun and pinned him to the ground.
A new light of respect and fear came into the Leprechaun's eyes.
The Leprechaun's fright was so genuine now that the Phoenix relented and let him go.
And so you call my son a leprechaun, and he has legs like raipin' hooks!
But there are some say "No, that is not the Amadn-na-Briona, that is the leprechaun."
The word "leprechaun" comes from two Irish words meaning "one shoe."
You must not be surprised, because it is the fault of the leprechaun.
But no one had been with Patch when he had seen the leprechaun.
They were forced to believe that Shaun was truly in the land of the leprechaun!
They are not afraid of the leprechaun when they reach the age of ten or twelve years.