Dictionary

Sidhe en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ʃiː/

Etymology

From Irish sídhe, older form of sí (“fairy mound”). In the sense “fairies”, an ellipsis of aos sídhe (“people of the fairy mound”). This usage is not paralleled in Irish.

Meanings

1. (alt-of) Alternative letter-case form of sidhe (“fairy”)
   alt of sidhe
   • "I never knew a Sidhe who died before her, but common knowledge is that when a Sidhe dies, their body is consumed by their own magic. Then, a few days later, they come back, as though they never died at all. But when she died, that didn't happen. I waited. Days. Weeks. She didn't come back. And then I started hearing rumours from the Courts—that when any Sidhe dies, they're no longer reborn." "Seriously?" I hadn't known how the Sidhe lived forever. […]" 2017, Emma L. Adams, Mortal Heir:
   • […] a Sidhe looked up at Aurilia and the thin voice whined, "But if the iron and silver that the Sidhe of the Bright Court set in Alhambra are removed, they will know someone has been there." 2008, Mercedes Lackey, Roberta Gellis, And Less Than Kind:
2. A hill used as a dwelling by members of the Sidhe; fairyland, faerie.
   • 1906, Augusta, Lady Gregory, A Book of Saints and Wonders, Columcille: The Friend of the Angels of God, Even Nera from the Sidhe could not do it; he is not made much of now; our learned one is not the light of our life now he is hidden away from us.

Forms

Sidhe en · PROPN

Pronunciation

• /ʃiː/

Etymology

From Irish sídhe, older form of sí (“fairy mound”). In the sense “fairies”, an ellipsis of aos sídhe (“people of the fairy mound”). This usage is not paralleled in Irish.

Meanings

1. (plural, plural-only) A race of supernatural beings found in Gaelic folklore, analogous to fairies or elves.
   • “‘Fun,’” Ria echoed. “You want to invite me to one of the Sidhe’s High Holy Days—me—and you think it'll be 'fun'?” 2001, Mercedes Lackey, Rosemary Edghill, Spirits White as Lightning, page not numbered:
   • Their reign has never ceased, but only waned in power a little, for the Sidhe still pass in every wind, and dance and play at hurley, and fight their sudden battles in every hollow and on every hill; but they cannot build their temples again till there have been martyrdoms and victories, and perhaps even that long-foretold battle in the Valley of the Black Pig. 1914, William Butler Yeats, Rosa alchemica: