E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Kriss Kringle.
A sort of St. Nicholas (q.v.). On Christmas Eve Kriss Kringle, arrayed in a fur cap and strange apparel, goes to the bedroom of all good children, where he finds a stocking or sock hung up in expectation of his visit, in which depository he leaves a present for the young wearer. The word means Christ-child, and the eve is called “Kriss-Kringle Eve.” (See SANTA CLAUS.)
