Meaning of hobgoblin in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈhɑbˌɡɑblən/

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  1. Noun

    hobgoblin

    Etymology

    mid 16th century: from hob+ goblin

    Definitions

    1. (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
  2. 2. an object of dread or apprehension

    Examples

    • « Germany was always a bugbear for France »
    • « A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds--Ralph Waldo Emerson »

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