English Dictionary

Definition of “hobbyhorse”

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hobbyhorse (ˈhɒbɪˌhɔːsPronunciation for hobbyhorse) 

Definitions

noun

  1. a toy consisting of a stick with a figure of a horse's head at one end
  2. another word for rocking horse
  3. a figure of a horse attached to a performer's waist in a pantomime, morris dance, etc
  4. a favourite topic or obsessive fixed idea (esp in the phrase on one's hobbyhorse)

verb

  1. (intr) nautical (of a vessel) to pitch violently

Word Origin

C16: from hobbyC16: from 1, originally a small horse, hence sense 3; then generalized to apply to any pastime, originally a small horse, hence sense 3; then generalized to apply to any pastime

Usage examples

  • If you was buyin ' for a child's hobbyhorse with no balls at all, Starlight would make a stallion of him.
    Tepper, Sheri S., A Plague of Angels (1993)
  • Unfortunately, it is a hobbyhorse of mine and, as with everything in life, if you look hard enough you will see the central absurdity.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Of course I am now on my hobbyhorse and anyone who wishes may get up and shoot at me or at any rate ask a question.
    Travers, P L, What the Bee Knows - reflections on myth, symbol and story (1989)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'H'

Related Terms

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