hobgoblin
2
9.9
- noun
- /ˈhɑbˌɡɑblɪn/
- Literature
:
duende
- Monsieur Gabelle here has been trying to frighten us with hobgoblins, werewolves, and mythical revolutionists.
- little hobgoblin
- hobgoblin slobber
Examples
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But are Satan's grimy angels, all his little devils and hobgoblins, going to simply stand by and watch as we take for ourselves the book of knowledge and the book of life and decide our own fate?
Fiction book (2000) -
And out from the top of the disc came this small creature, a sort of hobgoblin.
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The hobgoblins came down the hill and made their camp on the shore.
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What a repellent parade of imps and hobgoblins chitter-chattering away.
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Lanchester Perin, exorcist, specializing in demons, hobgoblins, and poltergeist.
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In the mythical tale, a mischievous hobgoblin played tricks on the unsuspecting villagers.
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The young boy believed that the hobgoblin lived in the shadows of his room, causing mischief at night.
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According to folklore, a hobgoblin is said to hide under bridges, waiting to frighten passersby.
Synonyms
105
8.3
A small, ugly creature that causes trouble for people
34
8.1
An imaginary monster adults mention to scare children into behaving
23
8.3
An imaginary creature that secretly causes problems with machines and planes
1
9.9
An imaginary monster used to frighten children
A small spirit in old stories that sometimes helps or bothers people
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Hobgoblin comes from hob (an old nickname that also meant a small household spirit) and goblin ('mischievous creature'), so picture a little, ugly, trick-making being in the woods or house, which is why it means a small, mischievous supernatural creature.