hobgoblin

hob·gob·lin

noun \ˈhäb-ˌgäb-lən\

Definition of HOBGOBLIN

1

: a mischievous goblin

2

: bogey 2, bugaboo

Examples of HOBGOBLIN

1. intimidated by the hobgoblins of etiquette
2. <in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, Puck is a hobgoblin who plays pranks such as spoiling milk and tripping old ladies>

Origin of HOBGOBLIN

¹hob

First Known Use: 1530

Related to HOBGOBLIN

Synonyms: brownie, dwarf, elf, faerie (also faery), fay, gnome, goblin, gremlin, fairy, kobold, leprechaun, pixie (also pixy), puck, sprite, troll

Related Words: little people; kelpie, nixie; changeling; imp; banshee, ghoul, hag, ogre

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