dobby

[ dob-ee ]

noun

, plural dob·bies.

1. British Dialect. a fatuous person; fool.
2. 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.

dobby

/ ˈdɒbɪ /

noun

1. an attachment to a loom, used in weaving small figures

Word History and Origins

Origin of dobby¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dobby¹

C17: perhaps from Dobby, pet form of Robert

Example Sentences

It is woven with either the plain weave or a small all-over dobby effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Falling in love iz like falling into mollassiss, sweet but dreadful dobby.

From Project Gutenberg

Bear and I would have got up Dobby for his special edification.'

From Project Gutenberg

Ought to have seen Gran when he staggered in here an hour ago, Dobby.

From Project Gutenberg

"You've got some bundle there, Dobby," said Grantham, as Dobbleigh relieved himself of his burden of packages.

From Project Gutenberg