dobby

[dob-ee]

noun, plural dob·bies.

British Dialect. a fatuous person; fool.
Textiles.
1. an attachment on a loom, used in weaving small patterns.
2. Also called dobby weave.a small geometric or floral pattern produced by this attachment.
3. a fabric having such a pattern.

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for dobby

Historical Examples of dobby

Bear and I would have got up Dobby for his special edification.'
The Pillars of the House, Vol. II (of 2)
Charlotte M. Yonge
Ought to have seen Gran when he staggered in here an hour ago, Dobby.
A Little Book of Christmas
John Kendrick Bangs
"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
It was past noon when they reached the ship, where they were warmly welcomed by Captain Dobby.
The Stronghold
Miriam Haynie

British Dictionary definitions for dobby

dobby

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012