dobby
[ dob-ee ]
/ ˈdɒb i /
noun, plural dob·bies.
British Dialect. a fatuous person; fool.
Textiles.
- an attachment on a loom, used in weaving small patterns.
- Also called dobby weave. a small geometric or floral pattern produced by this attachment.
- a fabric having such a pattern.
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DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?
"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
Origin of dobby
1685–95; akin to dial. dovie stupid, imbecile, derivative of dove to doze, dote, Old English dofian, dobian; cognate with German toben to rage; compare Old English dobende decrepit
Words nearby dobby
dob in, dobber, dobber-in, dobbin, dobbs ferry, dobby, dobby loom, dobbyn, dobe, dobell, dobell's solution
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for dobby
It was past noon when they reached the ship, where they were warmly welcomed by Captain Dobby.
The Stronghold|Miriam HaynieOught to have seen Gran when he staggered in here an hour ago, Dobby.
A Little Book of Christmas|John Kendrick BangsBear and I would have got up Dobby for his special edification.'
The Pillars of the House, Vol. II (of 2)|Charlotte M. Yonge"You've got some bundle there, Dobby," said Grantham, as Dobbleigh relieved himself of his burden of packages.
A Little Book of Christmas|John Kendrick Bangs
British Dictionary definitions for dobby
dobby
/ (ˈdɒbɪ) /
noun plural -bies
an attachment to a loom, used in weaving small figures
Word Origin for dobby
C17: perhaps from Dobby, pet form of Robert
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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