hobble

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English hobblen, hobelen, akin to Middle Dutch hoblen, hobbelen (Modern Dutch hobbelen). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈhɒbəl/ Hyphenation: hob‧ble Rhymes: -ɒbəl === Noun === hobble (plural hobbles) (chiefly in the plural) One of the short straps tied between the legs of unfenced horses, allowing them to wander short distances but preventing them from running off. An unsteady, off-balance step. (archaic, informal) A difficult situation; a scrape. (dialect, UK and Newfoundland) An odd job; a piece of casual work. ==== Synonyms ==== tether (rope) ==== Translations ==== === Verb === hobble (third-person singular simple present hobbles, present participle hobbling, simple past and past participle hobbled) To fetter by tying the legs; to restrict (a horse) with hobbles. Near-synonyms: shackle, enshackle To walk lame, or unevenly. Synonym: hirple (figurative) To move or proceed roughly or irregularly. To disable; to impede. Near-synonyms: nobble, hamper, hinder, embarrass (UK, slang, obsolete, transitive) To commit (a person) for trial. 1978, Gail Clark, Dulcie Bligh (page 99) […] hobbled straightaway!""Hobbled, Gibbon?" inquired Lady Bligh."Taken up and committed for trial, my lady." ==== Translations ==== ==== References ==== (commit for trial): John Camden Hotten (1873), The Slang Dictionary === Derived terms === === Anagrams === hobbel