hobble

Meaning

Noun

1. (in-plural) 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. (archaic, informal) A difficult situation; a scrape.
4. (Newfoundland, UK, dialectal) 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. (figuratively) To move or proceed roughly or irregularly.
4. To disable; to impede.

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

Translations

entraver

humpeln

zoppicare

boiter

clopiner

cojera

entrave

boitiller

cojear

hinken

hinken

πέδικλο

coixesa

coxear

renquear

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).