n. [ G. erlkönig, fr. Dan. ellekonge elfking. ] A personification, in German and Scandinavian mythology, of a spirit or natural power supposed to work mischief and ruin, esp. to children. [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
The hawthorn bush, with seats beneath the shade,
For talking age and whispering lovers made. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]