hobble
/ˈhɒbəl/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.41 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
One of the short straps tied between the legs of unfenced horses, allowing them to wander short distances but preventing them from running off.
verb
To move or proceed roughly or irregularly.
Example Sentences
- "We made it and we hobbled up the stairs. Or I hobbled. My sons didn't hobble, I hobbled."
- ""Saddle a horse—any horse—only let him be sure and fleet," cried Ashwoode, "and I'll pay you his price thrice over!" "Well, it's a bargain," replied the groom, promptly; "I don't like to see a gentleman caught in a hobble, if I can help him out of it. […]"
- "Near-synonyms: shackle, enshackle"
- "you hobble your old horse and turn him grazing"
- "The friar was hobbling the same way too."
- "Pepa runs all over Madrid in high heels and tube skirts that make her hobble and give the impression of restraining a naturally energetic woman."
Etymology
From Middle English hobblen, hobelen, akin to Middle Dutch hoblen, hobbelen (Modern Dutch hobbelen), Middle High German hoppeln (“to hop, limp, hobble”).
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: *ḱewb-, hobblen