hobgoblin

[ hob-gob-lin ]

noun

1. something causing superstitious fear; a bogy.
2. a mischievous goblin.
3. Hobgoblin. Puck ( def 1 ).

hobgoblin

/ ˌhɒbˈɡɒblɪn /

noun

1. an evil or mischievous goblin
2. a bogey; bugbear

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobgoblin¹

First recorded in 1520–30; hob ² + goblin

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobgoblin¹

C16: from hob ² + goblin

Example Sentences

To the speechwriters, he was the hobgoblin of editors, demanding we cram in more statistics, more attacks, more examples.

From The Daily Beast

Robin Goodfellow, the Puck, or Hobgoblin, is however essentially mischievous.

From Project Gutenberg

I'll put me on my great carnation nose, and wrap me in a rousing calf-skin suit, and come like some hobgoblin.

From Project Gutenberg

Being at one time troubled with illusions, I have myself crushed a hobgoblin by sitting on its lap.

From Project Gutenberg

And wasnt Granny kind to show us how to make it into so strange a hobgoblin of a creature as is our Jack?

From Project Gutenberg

The second hobgoblin will be there, a mighty Ghost of valor.

From Project Gutenberg