hobble

noun

1. (in-plural)One of the short straps tied between the legs of unfenced horses, allowing them to wander short distances but preventing them from running off.
2. An unsteady, off-balance step.

   “We made it and we hobbled up the stairs. Or I hobbled. My sons didn't hobble, I hobbled.”

3. (archaic, informal)A difficult situation; a scrape.

   “"Saddle a horse—any horse—only let him be sure and fleet," cried Ashwoode, "and I'll pay you his price thrice over!" "Well, it's a bargain," replied the groom, promptly; "I don't like to see a gentleman caught in a hobble, if I can help him out of it. […]”

4. (Newfoundland, UK, dialectal)An odd job; a piece of casual work.

verb

1. To fetter by tying the legs; to restrict (a horse) with hobbles.

   “Near-synonyms: shackle, enshackle”

   “you hobble your old horse and turn him grazing”

2. To walk lame, or unevenly.

   “The friar was hobbling the same way too.”

   “Pepa runs all over Madrid in high heels and tube skirts that make her hobble and give the impression of restraining a naturally energetic woman.”

3. (figuratively)To move or proceed roughly or irregularly.

   “The hobbling versification, the mean diction.”

4. To disable; to impede.

   “Near-synonyms: nobble, hamper, hinder, embarrass”