n. & v.
--n.
1. Athletics a each of a series of light frames to be cleared by athletes in a race. b (in pl.) a hurdle-race.
2 an obstacle or difficulty.
3 a portable rectangular frame strengthened with withes or wooden bars, used as a temporary fence etc.
4 hist. a frame on which traitors were dragged to execution.
--v.
1. Athletics a intr. run in a hurdle-race. b tr. clear (a hurdle).
2 tr. fence off etc. with hurdles.
3 tr. overcome (a difficulty).
Etymology: OE hyrdel f. Gmc