HOOP

n. & v. --n. 1 a circular band of metal, wood, etc., esp. for binding the staves of casks etc. or for forming part of a framework. 2 a a ring bowled along by a child. b a large ring usu. with paper stretched over it for circus performers to jump through. 3 an arch of iron etc. through which the balls are hit in croquet. 4 hist. a a circle of flexible material for expanding a woman's petticoat or skirt. b (in full hoop petticoat) a petticoat expanded with this. 5 a a band in contrasting colour on a jockey's blouse, sleeves, or cap. b Austral. colloq. a jockey. --v.tr. 1 bind with a hoop or hoops. 2 encircle with or as with a hoop. øbe put (or go) through the hoop (or hoops) undergo an ordeal. hoop-iron iron in long thin strips for binding casks etc. hoop-la 1 Brit. a game in which rings are thrown in an attempt to encircle one of various prizes. 2 sl. commotion. 3 sl. pretentious nonsense. [OE hop f. WG]