Early 20th century; earliest use found in The Westminster Gazette. From French mélusine, probably from Mélusine, the name of the female central character in a group of celebrated French medieval romances and legends.
Definition of melusine in US English:
melusine
nounmɛl(j)ʊˈsiːn
A silky, long-haired felt, used for making hats.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in The Westminster Gazette. From French mélusine, probably from Mélusine, the name of the female central character in a group of celebrated French medieval romances and legends.