1. thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America • Syn: whitethorn, may, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxycantha • Hypernyms: hawthorn, haw • Member Holonyms: Crataegus, genus Crataegus 2. European hawthorn having deeply cleft leaves and bright red fruits; widely cultivated in many varieties and often grown as impenetrable hedges; established as an escape in eastern North America • Syn: Crataegus monogyna • Hypernyms: hawthorn, haw • Member Holonyms: Crataegus, genus Crataegus