elf; pixie; sprite; small fairy
Refers to small mythical beings like elves, pixies, sprites, brownies, imps, or gremlins. Often used in fantasy contexts. The cross-reference to エルフ suggests a close relationship, but 小妖精 is more generic and can include various small fairies.
See also: エルフ
It is said that small fairies live in that forest.
彼女は小妖精のようなかわいらしい姿をしていた。
She had a cute appearance like a pixie.
Compound of 小 (small) and 妖精 (fairy, spirit). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word likely arose as a descriptive term for small mythical beings.