Definitions for hobgoblin
ˈhɒbˌgɒb lɪnhob·gob·lin

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. goblin, hob, hobgoblinnoun

   (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings

2. bugbear, hobgoblinnoun

   an object of dread or apprehension

   "Germany was always a bugbear for France"; "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"--Ralph Waldo Emerson

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. hobgoblinnoun

   A small, ugly goblin that makes trouble for humans

2. hobgoblinnoun

   A source of dread, fear or apprehension; a bugbear.

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Hobgoblinnoun

   Etymology: according to Stephen Skinner, for robgoblins, from Robin Goodfellow, Hob being the nickname of Robin: but more probably, according to John Wallis and Franciscus Junius, hopgoblins empusæ, because they do not move their feet: whence, says John Wallis, came the boys play of fox in the hole, the fox always hopping on one leg.

   Fairies, black, grey, green, and white,
   Attend your office and your quality:
   Crier hobgoblin, make the fairy o-yes. William Shakespeare.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Hobgoblin

   A hobgoblin is a household spirit, typically appearing in folklore, once considered helpful, but which since the spread of Christianity has often been considered mischievous.(p320) Shakespeare identifies the character of Puck in his A Midsummer Night's Dream as a hobgoblin.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. hobgoblin

   A hobgoblin is a creature from European folklore, often depicted as mischievous and sometimes harmful. It is generally regarded as a kind of fairy or imp, smaller than a goblin. In literature and modern pop culture, hobgoblins can be portrayed in many different ways, varying from mere pranksters to menacing villains. Quite often they are known for their trickery. The term is also used metaphorically to describe a source of fear, dread, or nagging anxiety.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Hobgoblinnoun

   a frightful goblin; an imp; a bugaboo; also, a name formerly given to the household spirit, Robin Goodfellow

2. Etymology: [See 2d Hob, and Goblin.]

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Hobgoblin

   Hobgoblin is a term typically applied in folktales to describe a friendly but troublesome creature of the Seelie Court. The most commonly known hobgoblin is the character Puck in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Hobgoblins seem to be small, hairy little men who—like their close relative, brownies—are often found within human dwellings, doing odd jobs around the house while the family is lost in sleep. Such chores are typically small deeds, like dusting and ironing. Often, the only compensation necessary in return for these was food. Attempts to give them clothing would often banish them forever, though whether they take offense to such gifts or are simply too proud to work in new clothes differs from teller to teller. While brownies are more peaceful creatures, hobgoblins are more fond of practical jokes. They also seem to be able to shape-shift, as seen in one of Puck's monologues in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Robin Goodfellow is perhaps the most mischievous and most infamous of all his kind, but many are less antagonizing. However, like all of the fae folk, hobgoblins are easily annoyed. When teased or misused excessively, brownies become boggarts—creatures whose sole existence is to play tricks and cause trouble for people. They can be mischievous, frightening, and even dangerous, and they are very difficult to get rid of.

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Hobgoblin

   See Hob (2).—ns. Hobgob′linism; Hobgob′linry.

Matched Categories

1. • Evil Spirit
   • Folklore
   • Object

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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How to pronounce hobgoblin?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

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   Fred

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   Tessa

   South African

How to say hobgoblin in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of hobgoblin in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of hobgoblin in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3

Examples of hobgoblin in a Sentence

1. R.W. Emerson, Self-Reliance:

   A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.

2. Ralph Waldo Emerson:

   A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesman and philosophers and divines.

3. Ralph Waldo Emerson:

   A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do.

4. Ralph Waldo Emerson:

   A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=hobgoblin
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Hobgoblin
3. ^ Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
   https://johnsonsdictionaryonline.com/views/search.php?term=hobgoblin
4. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobgoblin
5. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
6. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hobgoblin
7. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=hobgoblin
8. ^ Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=hobgoblin
9. ^ Usage in printed sources
   https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=hobgoblin