hobble

English

/ˈhɒbəl/

noun
Definitions
  • (mostly) 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.
  • A difficult situation; a scrape.
  • (dialect) An odd job; a piece of casual work.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English hobblen.

Origin

Middle English

hobblen

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms