Cŏb'wĕb, n.
n. [From cob, 4, and web, q. v. Cf. A-S. attor-coppa, poison-spider, spider.]
Sense 1. The net-work spread by a spider to catch its prey.
The spider . . . fell presently to her net-work of drawing cobwebs up and down. L'Estrange.
Sense 2. Any snare or device intended to entrap; especially such as succeeds in catching or holding the weak, ignorant, or inexperienced, while the stronger and bolder escape; as, the cobwebs of the law.
Sense 3. That which is light, thin, and worthless; rubbish. “Evil appareled in the dust and cobwebs of that uncivil age.” Sidney.