Sorry, no clever literature - just heartfelt thanks for all the entries.
a. a Scottish fairy
b. lithe, supple (Chaucer)
c. [Old Norse] Highly ornate embroidery stitched to the neckline, cuffs or hem of a traditional costume using gold or silver thread
d. the (usually) minimal amount of moss that grows on the north side of trees in northern hemisphere
e. A mythic fish-like creature, common in heraldic designs from mediaeval Provençal
f. the liquid discharge that allows a spider to spin a web
g. A product derived from a glycoprotein found the jelly mass of frogs' eggs. Blended at moderately high temperatures with metallic oxides, it was formerly used in the manufacture of an acrylic-like painting medium
h. a young salmon on its first return from salt to fresh water
i. A finely-ground confectioners sugar made and used in the Netherlands
j. An Irish folk dance where dancers reenact the story of the giant Finn MacCoul who is pursued by a Scottish giant. In an attempt to save her husband, Finn's wife, Oonagh, disguises him as his own baby
k. The bisque-like finish on fine Czech porcelain
l. a slope, esp. one that is gentle or moderate
m. v., Old Scots. to milk an animal
n. an alloy comprised of mostly copper and small amounts of silver and gold used mainly in fabricating jewelry in ancient Northern Europe
p. A specialized fabric that has osmotic properties for use in aquaria
