| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Robin Goodfellow. | | |
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A “drudging fiend,” and merry domestic fairy, famous for mischievous pranks and practical jokes. At night-time he will sometimes do little services for the family over which he presides. The Scotch call this domestic spirit a brownie; the Germans, kobold or Knecht Ruprecht. The Scandinavians called it Nissë God-dreng. Puck, the jester of Fairy-court, is the same. | 1 |
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| “Either I mistake your shape and making quite, |
| Or else you are that shrewd and knavish sprite |
| Called Robin Goodfellow… . |
| Those that Hob-goblin call you, and sweet Puck, |
| You do their work, and they shall have good luck.” | |
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Shakespeare: Midsummer Night’s Dream, ii. 1. |
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(See FAIRY.) | 2 |
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