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.
Nearby words
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. 2019
Examples 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
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
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