Middle English Dictionary Entry
Hob(be n.
Entry Info
| Forms | Hob(be n. |
| Etymology | Dim. of Robert; cp. Hikke, Hoǧǧe. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A familiar form of the name Robert; also, as generic proper name for one of the common class; -- used with John, Jack; (b) a person of common birth; (c) ?a hobgoblin; ~ over the wal; (d) in surnames.
Associated quotations
a
- a1350(1307) Execution Fraser (Hrl 2253)73 : Nou kyng hobbe in þe mures ȝongeþ; forte come to toune nout him ne longeþ.
- (1381) Let.Ball in Robbins Hist.Poems (Roy 13.E.9)p.55 : Iohan schep..biddeþ..and chastise wel hobbe þe robbere.
- (1392) In the contre (PRO KB 9/144, m.31)116 : Hethyng wil we suffre non, Neither of hobbe ne of Johan.
- ?c1430(c1400) Wycl.FCLife (Corp-C 296)192 : Þanne strumpatis & þeuys preisen sire iacke or hobbe.
- a1475 PPl.A(1) (Hrl 875)5.161 : Hobbe [Trin-C: hogge] þe neldere.
b
- c1450(c1405) Mum & S.(2) (Add 41666)865 : Mayers and maisters, men of high wittes..And oþer hobbes a-heepe.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)1.90 : The cheuyteyns cheef þat ȝe chesse euere..hobbis ȝe hadden of Hurlewaynis kynne.
c
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)17/297 : Who is that hob-ouer-the-wall?
d
- (1230) in Pipe R.Soc.n.s.4211 : Radulfus Hobbe.
- (1279) Hundred R.Tower 2828 : Johannes Hobbe.
- (1296-7) Acc.Cornw.in RHS ser.3.68214 : Waltero Hobbe.
- (1327) Sub.R.Som.in Som.RS 3129 : Thomas Hobbe.
- (1327) Sub.R.Sus.in Sus.RS 10160 : Sim. Hobbeshort.
- (1361) Reg.Edw.Blk.Pr.3.434 : Roger Hobbessone.
- a1500 Med.Bk.(2) (Sln 3153)190 : A noþer maner of making of þe same þat hobkyn of þe fermerie of kenelworth vsed.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- 1483 Cath.Angl.(Monson 168)387 : Hobb Trusse: prepes, negocius.
Note: New sense
Note: Cp. thurs(e n. (a)