hobby-horse

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Definitions (6)

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  1. One of the principal performers in a morris-dance, having a figure of a horse made of wickerwork supported about his waist, and his feet concealed by a housing. He performed antics imitating the motions of a horse, and various juggling tricks. Else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the hobby-horse; whose epitaph is, For, O, for, O, the hobby-horse is forgot. Shak, Hamlet, iii. 2. The morris rings, while hobby-horse doth foot it feateously. Beau. and Fl., Knight of Burning Pestle, iv. 5. Here one fellow with a horse's head painted before him, and a tail behind, and the whole covered with a long foot-cloth, which was supposed to hide the body of the animal, ambled, caracoled, pranced, and plunged, as he performed the celebrated part of the hobbie-horse, so often alluded to in our ancient drama. Scott, Abbot, xiv.
  2. A person who acts in a foolish, subservient manner. This is a punishment upon our own prides Most justly laid; we must abuse brave gentlemen, Make ‘em tame fools and hobby-horses. Beau. and Fl., Little French Lawyer, v. 1. That light hobby-horse, my sister, whose foul name I will rase out with my poniard. Middleton, Blurt, Master-Constable, v. 1.
  3. A wooden figure of a horse, usually provided with rockers, for children to ride on. Maid, see a fine hobby-horse for your young master. B. Jonson, Bartholomew Fair, ii. 1. ‘Till thoughtful Father's pious Care Provides his Brood, next Smithfield Fair, With supplemental Hobby-Horses. Prior, Alma, i.
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Etymologies (1)

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  1. from hobby + horse: cf. equivalent D. hobbelpaard.
 

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