English Explanatory Dictionary

Yule lad

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. One of several trolls, children of the ogress Grýla, who, according to Icelandic folktales, arrive one each day from December 12th through December 25, and leave one each night from December 25 through January 6. The Yule lads are associated with tricks and mischief, but also with carrying off naughty children in a burlap bag and eating them.

Word forms

Yule lad Yule lads

Etymology

Calque of Icelandic jólasveinn. Compare also Yule swain.

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