1. 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.
Phrases and idioms:
be 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.
Etymology: OE hop f. WG 2.var. of WHOOP.