Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Peri \Pe"ri\, n.; pl. {Peris}. [Per. per[=i] a female genus, a
   fairy.] (Persian Myth.)
   An imaginary being, male or female, like an elf or fairy,
   represented as a descendant of fallen angels, excluded from
   paradise till penance is accomplished. --Moore.