imp
UK: ɪmp | US: ɪmp
n. 1. A small, mischievous devil or sprite.
n. 2. A mischievous child.
vt. 3. To graft or repair (a wing or feather) in falconry.
The word "imp" originates from Old English impa, meaning "a shoot or graft," derived from impian ("to graft"). This agricultural term evolved metaphorically to describe a "child" or "offspring" (as a "graft" of a family). By the 16th century, it acquired its mischievous connotations, influenced by folklore depicting imps as small, troublesome demons—akin to "grafted" nuisances in nature. The falconry sense (vt.) retains the original grafting meaning, referring to repairing a bird’s feathers.
The tale described an imp hiding in the shadows, playing pranks on travelers.
The teacher sighed as the little imp ran through the classroom, knocking over chairs.
The falconer carefully imped the hawk’s damaged wing to restore its flight.
Folklore often portrays imps as cunning but powerless without their masters.
"Stop acting like an imp!" she scolded her giggling son.