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hobby1 definition

hobby (häb′ē)

noun pl. hobbies -·bies

  1. Archaic a medium-sized, vigorous horse
  2. hobbyhorse

  3. Etymology: < hobbysense , with notions as in phrase ride a hobby

    something that one likes to do or study in one's spare time; favorite pastime or avocation

Etymology: ME hobi < hobin, dim. of Robert, Robert

Related Forms:

hobby Idioms

ride a hobby

to be excessively devoted to one's favorite pastime or subject
hobby2 definition

hobby (häb′ē)

noun pl. hobbies -·bies

a small European falcon (Falco subbuteo), formerly trained for hawking

Etymology: ME hobi < OFr hobei, hobel, dim. of hobe, a hawk < Du hobben, to move back and forth, akin to hop

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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