In the sense of “a goblin or spirit,” first recorded in 168595.
In the highlighted sense, first recorded in 195560.
Comes from Spanish and is shortened from duen de (casa), master of (the house) with duena variant of 餃喝梗簽棗, meaning lord; owner from Latin dominus “to control.”
EXAMPLES OF DUENDE
The flamenco dancer captivated the audience with their mesmerizing duende.
The old bookstore had an enchanting duende that made visitors feel like they were stepping into another world.
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