In looking up "thimble" I found a word "cringle"

crin[gle 7kri%4g!l8
n.
5ME < ON kringla, circle, or MDu kringel, ring, both ult. < IE base *ger3: see CRADLE6 a small loop or ring of rope or metal on the edge of a sail, through which a line may be run for fastening the sail

This reminded me of Santa Claus, aka Kris Kringle. What does the "Kringle" mean?