Definition of: hobble

(hob′əl) v. hob·bled, hob·bling v.i.
1. walk with or as with a limp; go lamely or on crutches.
2. To move or proceed in an irregular or clumsy manner.
—v.t.
3. To hamper the free movement of (a horse, etc.), as by tying the legs together.
4. To cause to move lamely or awkwardly.
—noun
1. A limping gait.
2. A fetter for the legs; specifically, a rope, strap, or pair of linked rings used to fetter the forelegs of an animal.
3. An embarrassment; difficulty. [? Freq. of HOP. Cf. G hoppeln hobble.]
—hob′bler noun