HOB'BLE, verb intransitive 1. To walk lamely, bearing chiefly on one leg; to limp; to walk with a hitch or hop, or with crutches. The friar was hobbling the same way too. 2. To walk awkwardly, as when the feet are encumbered with a clog, or with fetters. 3. To move roughly or irregularly, as verse. While you Pindaric truths rehearse, She hobbles in alternate verse. HOB'BLE, verb transitive To perplex. [Not in use.] HOB'BLE, noun An unequal halting gait; an encumbered awkward step. He has a hobble in his gait. 1. Difficulty; perplexity.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI