E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Robin Goodfellow.
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
“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.”
