Definition of "kelpie" []

• A malevolent water spirit of Scottish legend, usually having the shape of a horse and rejoicing in or causing drownings. (noun)
• Any of a breed of sheepdog originating in Australia. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The kelpie is a working sheepdog, a participator in dog trials, public displays of skill in marshaling sheep into pens."
• "According to legend, the stone is cursed and guarded by a malevolent water-demon, or kelpie-type entity, who protects it savagely."
• "It's based on "Bridle" (Sirenia Digest #3, February 2006), which a few of you might remember, the kelpie story."