I. ˈhäb noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English hob, hobbe, from Hobbe, nickname of Robert or Robin
1. now dialect England
a. : a clownish lout
b. : rustic
2. now dialect England : hobgoblin , elf
3. : a male ferret
•
- play hob
- raise hob
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1. : a level projection (as of brickwork, stone, or iron) at the back or side of an open fireplace on which something (as a kettle) can be placed to be kept warm
2. archaic
a. : a peg or stake used as a target in quoits and similar games
b. : a game in which such a peg or stake is used
3. : hobnail
4.
a.
(1) : a cutting tool consisting of a fluted steel worm that is used in a milling machine for cutting the teeth of worm wheels or screw chasers or other tool devices or used in a gear hobber for hobbing the teeth of gear wheels
(2) : master tap
(3) : sellers hob
(4) : an engraved steel block that is casehardened and used to impress an embossing die or a die-casting die — called also hub
b. : leader 1d
III. transitive verb
( hobbed ; hobbed ; hobbing ; hobs )
1. : to furnish with hobnails
2.
a. : to cut (as the teeth of worm wheels) with a hob
b. : to impress (as an embossing die) with a hob