hawthorn Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a spring-flowering shrub or small tree of the genus Crataegus
    haw.

WordNet

Haw"thorn` noun
Etymology
AS. hagaborn, hægorn. See Haw a hedge, and Thorn.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A thorny shrub or tree (the Cratægus oxyacantha), having deeply lobed, shining leaves, small, roselike, fragrant flowers, and a fruit called haw. It is much used in Europe for hedges, and for standards in gardens. The American hawthorn is Cratægus cordata, which has the leaves but little lobed.
    Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade To shepherds? Shak.

Webster 1913