hobgoblin

American  

[hob-gob-lin] / ˈhɒbˌgɒb lɪn /

noun

1. something causing superstitious fear; a bogy.

2. a mischievous goblin.

3. Hobgoblin. Puck.

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hobgoblin British  

/ ˌhɒbˈɡɒblɪn /

noun

1. an evil or mischievous goblin

2. a bogey; bugbear

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Etymology

Origin of hobgoblin

First recorded in 1520–30; hob ² + goblin

Explanation

A hobgoblin is something you fear or dread. Public speaking is a hobgoblin for many people. So are spiders, the dark, and monsters that lurk under the bed. A hobgoblin is so scary it’s the name of a Spider-Man villain. The word has been around since the 1500s, though, and can refer to all kinds of things that scare you. It’s in this quote by the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.” Anything that worries or disturbs you is a hobgoblin, which can also be called a bugbear.

Example Sentences

Other enduring Spider-Man characters he was involved in originating included the villainous Vulture, mobster Hammerhead and the sonic-powered Shocker, as well as the Hobgoblin, journalist Robbie Robertson and Gwen Stacy's father George Stacy.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2023

It absolutely reeks of taking a pint of Hobgoblin back to the bar because it wasn’t tepid enough.

From The Guardian • Aug. 24, 2019

Both him and Hobgoblin, as we used to call t'other sprite.

From William Shakespeare as he lived. An Historical Tale by Curling, Henry

Those that Hobgoblin call you and sweet Puck, You do their work, and they shall have good luck.

From A Mother's List of Books for Children by Arnold, Gertrude Weld

Hobgoblin nor foul fiend Can daunt his spirit; He knows he at the end Shall life inherit.

From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 03 by Bunyan, John