Brewer's: Peri

(plur. PERIS). Peris are delicate, gentle, fairy-like beings of Eastern mythology, begotten by fallen spirits. They direct with a wand the pure in mind the way to heaven. These lovely creatures, according to the Koran, are under the sovereignty of Eblis; and Mahomet was sent for their conversion, as well as for that of man.

Like peris' wands, when pointing out the road For some pure spirit to the blest abode.

ThomasMoore. Lalla Rookh, pt. i.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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