elk / elk/ • n. 1. (pl. same or elks ) a red deer (Cervus canadensis) of a large race native to North America. Also called wapiti. ∎ British term for moose. 2. (Elk) (pl. Elks) a member of a fraternal organization, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

elk Name of two different species of deer: the European elk (Alces alces), known in North America as the moose; and the American elk, or wapiti. The elk, found in n Eurasia, is the largest of all deer. Height at the shoulder: to 1.9m (6ft); weight: 820kg (1800lb). Family Cervidae.

elk XV. prob. repr. OE. e(o)lh. OE. had also ēola (:- *eolha), cogn. with OHG. elaho (G. elch), repr. IE. *elk-, beside *olkis, whence Gmc. *alʒiz (ON. elgr) and CSlav. *olsĭ (Russ. los', OPol. łoś elk); cf. L. alcēs pl. and Gr. álkē — Gmc.

elk
1. N. American form of Cervus elaphus (red deer, wapiti).

2. (moose, Alces alces) See CERVIDAE.