hobble

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   One of the short straps tied between the legs of unfenced horses, allowing them to wander…

   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. 2

   An unsteady, off-balance step.

   • We made it and we hobbled up the stairs. Or I hobbled. My sons didn't hobble, I hobbled.
3. 3

   A difficult situation

   A difficult situation; a scrape.

4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      An odd job

      An odd job; a piece of casual work.

   2. 5

      To fetter by tying the legs

      To fetter by tying the legs; to restrict (a horse) with hobbles.

      • Near-synonyms: shackle, enshackle
      • you hobble your old horse and turn him grazing
   3. 6

      To walk lame, or unevenly.

      • The friar was hobbling the same way too.
      • Pepa runs all over Madrid in high heels and tube skirts that make her hobble and give the impression of restraining a naturally energetic woman.
   4. 7

      To move or proceed roughly or irregularly.

      • The hobbling versification, the mean diction.
   5. 8

      To disable

      To disable; to impede.

      • Near-synonyms: nobble, hamper, hinder, embarrass

The neighborhood

• synonymtether