hob Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
    hobgoblin; goblin.
  2. noun (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
    gremlin; elf; brownie; pixie; imp; pixy.
  3. noun a hard steel edge tool used to cut gears
  4. noun a shelf beside an open fire where something can be kept warm
  5. verb cut with a hob

WordNet

Hob noun
Etymology
Prob. akin to hump. Cf. Hub.
Definitions
  1. The hub of a wheel. See Hub. Washington.
  2. The flat projection or iron shelf at the side of a fire grate, where things are put to be kept warm. Smart.
  3. (Mech.) A threaded and fluted hardened steel cutter, resembling a tap, used in a lathe for forming the teeth of screw chasers, worm wheels, etc.
Hob noun
Etymology
Orig. an abbrev. of Robin, Robert; Robin Goodfellow a celebrated fairy, or domestic spirit. Cf. Hobgoblin, and see Robin.
Definitions
  1. A fairy; a sprite; an elf. Obs.
    From elves, hobs, and fairies, . . . Defend us, good Heaven ! Beau. & FL.
  2. A countryman; a rustic; a clown. Obs. Nares.

Webster 1913