Definition of Hobgoblin

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

Exact synonyms: Goblin, Hob
Category relationships: Folklore
Generic synonyms: Evil Spirit

2. Noun. An object of dread or apprehension. "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"
Exact synonyms: Bugbear
Generic synonyms: Object

Definition of Hobgoblin

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

Definition of Hobgoblin

1. Noun. A small, ugly goblin that makes trouble for humans ¹

2. Noun. (context: by extension) A source of dread, fear or apprehension; a bugbear. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Hobgoblin

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Hobgoblin

hobbyist
hobbyistic
hobbyists
hobbyless
hobday
hobdayed
hobdaying
hobdays
hobdehoy
hobdehoys
hobelar
hobelars
hobeler
hoberdehoy
hoberdehoys
hobgoblin (current term)
hobgoblins
hobhouchin
hobilar
hobiler
hobilers
hobjob
hobjobbed
hobjobs
hoblike
hoblin
hoblins
hobnail
hobnail boot
hobnail cells

Literary usage of Hobgoblin

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Book of Fallacies: From Unfinished Papers of Jeremy Bentham by Jeremy Bentham, Peregrine Bingham (1824)
"THE hobgoblin, the eventual appearance of which is denounced by this argument, ... is the cry ; and the hobgoblin is rendered but the more terrific by the ..."

2. Our Colonial Homes by Samuel Adams Drake (1894)
"A kind of old hobgoblin Hall Now somewhat fallen to decay." ONE fine day, while sauntering about the pleasant town of Medford, so rich in specimens of ..."

3. The Universal Songster: Or, Museum of Mirth: Forming the Most Complete (1834)
"When he cried, «' O, good hobgoblin, I pray you mercy show A queer little man who's a long way to go." THE QUEER LITTLE WAN. A QUEER little man, ..."

Other Resources:

Search for Hobgoblin on Dictionary.com!Search for Hobgoblin on Thesaurus.com!Search for Hobgoblin on Google!Search for Hobgoblin on Wikipedia!

Search