hobble

Meaning

Noun

1. One of the short straps tied between the legs of unfenced horses, allowing them to wander short distances but preventing them from running off.
2. An unsteady, off-balance step.
3. (informal) A difficult situation; a scrape.
4. An odd job; a piece of casual work.

Verb

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

Synonyms

limp

fetter

hitch

hopple

be lame

hamper

gimp

halt

stump

stagger

toddle

impede

shuffle

shackle

hop

cripple

stumble

hinder

walk lamely

chain

encumber

hobble along

totter

trammel

trap

🪤

waddle

put in chains

go lame

balk

go slowly

block

claudication

clog

disadvantage

dodder

founder

gyve

halter

handcuff

intercept

lameness

limping

prejudice

restrict

rope

🪢

saunter

scuffle

shamble

strap

tie

Hyphenated as

hob‧ble

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhɒbəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: hobblen

Cognate with Middle Dutch: hoblen

Cognate with Dutch: hobbelen

In summary

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