fairy n For the fairy belief system, see P. NARVÁEZ "Newfoundland Berry Pickers 'In the Fairies': The Maintenance of Spatial and Temporal Boundaries through Legendry," Lore and Language vi (1), 15-49.
   1 Phr (to be) in the fairies: to be in the domain of, or under the various influences or powers attributed to, fairies.
   1987 Lore and Language vi (1), 23 Once 'in the fairies,' the victim might sometimes successfully take protective measures during the ordeal...but on other occasions mortals might be captured, experience fairy scenes, suffer mental and physical injury ('fairy-struck'), obtain artistic gifts.
   2 Attrib, comb ~ cap, ~ led, ~ path, ~ taking: FAIRY LED, ~ STRUCK.
   1988 Nfld Qtly lxxxiii (4), 15 [There was] a shadowy world of dank mosses, pungent 'fairy caps,' bleak barrens and gnarled spruces. 1989 Sunday Express 23 July, p. 7 A fellow might think he was fairy-led, coming on that vast strange landscape rather suddenly. 1981 DAWE 34 "Ishmael Remembers": a boy in sweaty wool,/listening to old Aunt Grace/sooty-handed by her oil lamp,/telling the youngsters/of the fairy-paths/and the man-in-the-moon. 1987 Lore and Language vi (1), 23 'There were many instances of "fairy-taking" in my town and when I was a youngster my parents were always worried this could happen to me.'

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