dobby
[dob-ee]
- 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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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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for dobby
Historical Examples
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 ChristmasJohn Kendrick Bangs
"You've got some bundle there, Dobby," said Grantham, as Dobbleigh relieved himself of his burden of packages.
A Little Book of ChristmasJohn Kendrick Bangs
It was past noon when they reached the ship, where they were warmly welcomed by Captain Dobby.
The StrongholdMiriam Haynie
dobby
- an attachment to a loom, used in weaving small figures
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Word Origin
C17: perhaps from Dobby, pet form of Robert
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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