hitch

Meanings

Noun

• A sudden pull.
• Any of various knots used to attach a rope to an object other than another rope.
• A fastener or connection point, as for a trailer.
• A problem, delay or source of difficulty.
• A hidden or unfavorable condition or element.
• A period of time spent in the military.

Verb

• To pull with a jerk.
• To attach, tie or fasten.
• To marry oneself to; especially to get hitched.
• Short form of hitchhike, to thumb a ride.
• To become entangled or caught; to be linked or yoked; to unite; to cling.
• To move interruptedly or with halts, jerks, or steps; said of something obstructed or impeded.
• To strike the legs together in going, as horses; to interfere.

Related

Narrower meaning words

• Magnus hitch
• midshipman's hitch
• rigger's hitch
• rolling hitch
• taut-line hitch
• tent-line hitch

Origin

• Probably from Middle English hicchen, hytchen, icchen, of obscure origin. Lacks cognates in other languages. Compare itch, hike.