Brownie, in British folklore, is a helpful, kind-hearted creature. Brownies look like small, ugly men with shaggy hair and beards. They are called brownies because they usually wear brown cloaks and hoods.
Many brownies become attached to particular households. At night while the family sleeps, they churn the butter, sweep the floors, and perform other chores. A family often sets out a plate of food in some hidden spot before bedtime for the brownie to keep him happy. But brownies sometimes make mischief. If offended, a brownie may break dishes, let the cows loose, or cause some other disturbance.
Brownies accept no pay for their work. If a family lays out a new hood or cloak for a brownie, he may take offense and abandon the household.
