Haw"thorn` (h&add;"thôrn`), n. [AS. hagaþorn, hægþorn. See Haw a
hedge, and Thorn.]
(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.
Hear it pronounced