dobbin

American  

[dob-in] / ˈdɒb ɪn /

noun

1. a horse, especially a quiet, plodding horse for farm work or family use.

2. a drinking vessel of the 18th century holding a gill.

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dobbin British  

/ ˈdɒbɪn /

noun

1. a name for a horse, esp a workhorse, often used in children's tales, etc

2. a trolley for moving loose wool in a woolshed or shearing shed

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Etymology

Origin of dobbin

First recorded in 1590–1600; alteration of Robin, diminutive or pet name of Robert

Example Sentences

While Winnie monopolized Brigit, Ella went to her bedroom and opened her little red door to find the family's dirt dobbin perched on the canopy of her bed.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Should some rough, unfeeling dobbin, In this iron-hearted age, Seize thee on thy nest, my Robin, And confine thee in a cage, Then, poor prisoner! think of me— Think, and sigh for liberty.

From The Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volume I. The Songs of Scotland of the past half century by Rogers, Charles

“Sometimes the hay we gets ain’t the sweetest o’ perfoomery, dobbin, old chummie; then I appeals to polly, cause you see if polly can eat it so kin i.

From The Cruise of the Land-Yacht "Wanderer" Thirteen Hundred Miles in my Caravan by Stables, Gordon

The cove was lagged for prigging a   peter with several stretch of dobbin from a drag; the   fellow was transported for stealing a trunk, containing   several yards of ribband, from a waggon.

From 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue by Grose, Francis

“Which that was a kind o’ 2-handed compliment, dear dobbin.

From The Cruise of the Land-Yacht "Wanderer" Thirteen Hundred Miles in my Caravan by Stables, Gordon