nobble

[ nob-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, British Slang.

, nob·bled, nob·bling.

1. to drug or disable (a race horse) to prevent its winning a race.
2. to convince (a person) by fraudulent methods; misrepresent or lie to.
3. to swindle; defraud.
4. to seize (a person); hold for arrest.

nobble

/ ˈnɒbəl /

verb

1. to disable (a racehorse), esp with drugs
2. to win over or outwit (a person) by underhand means
3. to suborn (a person, esp a juror) by threats, bribery, etc
4. to steal; filch
5. to get hold of; grab
6. to kidnap

Derived Forms

• ˈnobbler, noun

Other Words From

• nobbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nobble¹

First recorded in 1840–50; back formation from nobbler, variant of hobbler ( def ) (dialectal phrase an 'obbler being taken as a nobbler )

Word History and Origins

Origin of nobble¹

C19: back formation from nobbler, from false division of an hobbler (one who hobbles horses) as a nobbler

Example Sentences

I allus said any fool can be a smith but it takes a good man to nobble.

From Project Gutenberg

The son did not write from Melbourne, nor from Nobble,—nor from Ahalala till gold had been found.

From Project Gutenberg

His luggage was all right in the warehouse, and he arranged that it should be sent down to Nobble.

From Project Gutenberg

You once nobble that, congregation, and a buck joyride to heaven becomes a back number.

From Project Gutenberg

Dick told him that they had heard of that very successful mining enterprise since their arrival at Nobble.

From Project Gutenberg