intransitive verb hobbled -·bled, hobbling -·bling

1. to go unsteadily, haltingly, etc.
2. to walk lamely or awkwardly; limp

Etymology: ME hobelen (akin to Du hobbelen, Ger dial. hobbeln) < base of hoppen (see hop) + freq. suffix

transitive verb

1. to cause to go haltingly or lamely
2. to hamper the movement of (a horse, etc.) by tying two feet together
3. to hamper; hinder

noun

1. an awkward, halting walk; limp
2. a rope, strap, etc. used to hobble a horse; fetter
3. Rare an awkward situation; difficulty