hobble

Meanings

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.
• An unsteady, off-balance step.
• A difficult situation; a scrape.
• An odd job; a piece of casual work.

Verb

• To fetter by tying the legs; to restrict (a horse) with hobbles.
• To walk lame, or unevenly.
• To move roughly or irregularly.
• To perplex; to embarrass.

Related

Similar words

• tether (rope)
• hirple

Origin

• From Middle English hobblen, hobelen, akin to Middle Dutch hoblen, hobbelen (Modern Dutch hobbelen).