■ noun
1》 a rigid circular band, especially one used for binding the staves of barrels or forming a framework.
↘a large ring used as a toy or for circus performers to jump through.
↘ historical a circle of flexible material used to expand a woman's petticoat.
2》 a metal arch through which the balls are hit in croquet.
3》 a contrasting horizontal band on a sports shirt or cap.
4》 Austral. informal a jockey.
■ verb bind or encircle with ~s.
Phrases
put someone (or go ) through the ~s make someone undergo (or be made to undergo) a gruelling test.
Derivatives
~ed adjective
Origin
OE hōp , of W. Gmc origin.