I. ˈhich verb
Etymology: Middle English hytchen
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to move by jerks or with a tug
2.
a. : to catch or fasten by or as if by a hook or knot
hitch ed his horse to the fence post
b.
(1) : to connect (a vehicle or implement) with a source of motive power
hitch a rake to a tractor
(2) : to attach (a source of motive power) to a vehicle or instrument
hitch the horses to the wagon
c. : to join in marriage
got hitch ed
3. : hitchhike
intransitive verb
1. : to move with halts and jerks : hobble
2.
a. : to become entangled, made fast, or linked
b. : to become joined in marriage
3. : hitchhike
• hitch·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1664
1. : limp
2. : a sudden movement or pull : jerk
gave his trousers a hitch
3.
a. : a sudden halt : stoppage
b. : a usually unforeseen difficulty or obstacle
the plan went off without a hitch
4. : the act or fact of catching hold
5. : a connection between a vehicle or implement and a detachable source of power (as a tractor or horse)
6. : a delimited period especially of military service
7. : any of various knots used to form a temporary noose in a line or to secure a line temporarily to an object
8. : lift 5b