Hŏb'by1, n.
n. [See infra. Cf. Fr. hobereau, a hobby, a species of falcon, and a country squire, a hobbler.] (Ornith.) A small, but strong-winged falcon (Falco subbuteo), formerly trained for hawking. It migrates from England southward.
2 entries under this word
Hobby
Hŏb'by or Hŏb'by-hōrse2, n.
n. [Dan. hoppe, a mare, Prov. Sw. & Fries. hoppa, Esthonian hobbo, Finnish hepo, perhaps allied to Gr. ἵππος; whence O. Fr. hobil, Norm. Fr. hobyn, It. ubino.]
Hobby (Falco subbuteo).
Sense 1. A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; a nag; a pacing-horse; a garran. Johnson.
Sense 2. A stick, or figure of a horse, on which boys ride.
Sense 3. A subject or plan upon which one is constantly setting off; a favorite and ever-recurring theme of discourse, thought, or effort; that which occupies one's attention unduly, or to the weariness of others.