henki

A word that is sometimes applied to a troll or fairy. There are old legends in connection with knolls (Henkis knowes of fairy knowes), that they used to dance there at night, and were always supposed to 'hink' or limp when they dance. They were spoken of as "scrae o' henkies."

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References

Sources

  • Spence, J. (1899). Shetland Folk-lore. Lerwick: Johnson & Greig, p. 39.
  • Wright, J. (1902). The English dialect dictionary. Vol. 3. London: H. Frowde.