hob·gob·lin (h b gb l n)n. 1. An ugly, mischievous elf or goblin. 2. An object or a source of fear, dread, or harassment; a bugbear: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds" (Ralph Waldo Emerson). |
hobgoblin [ˌhɒbˈgɒblɪn]
n
1. (Myth & Legend / European Myth & Legend) an evil or mischievous goblin
2. (Myth & Legend / European Myth & Legend) a bogey; bugbear
[from hob2 + goblin]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  hobgoblin - (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beingsfolklore - the unwritten lore (stories and proverbs and riddles and songs) of a culture evil spirit - a spirit tending to cause harm |
| 2. | hobgoblin - an object of dread or apprehension; "Germany was always a bugbear for France"; "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"--Ralph Waldo Emerson object - the focus of cognitions or feelings; "objects of thought"; "the object of my affection" |
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