Alfin

/ˈælfɪn/ noun

Definition

A type of chess opening or endgame position involving the bishop on the long diagonal; also a historical title meaning a nobleman or chief.

Etymology

From Arabic 'al-fil' (the elephant), the original name for the bishop piece in chess, combined with '-in,' or possibly from a Scandinavian/Germanic title meaning 'elf lord.'

Kelly Says

The bishop in chess was originally called 'elephant' in Persian—when the game traveled to Europe, people got confused and named it after a different word entirely!

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