Haw″thorn′ (ha̤″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.