Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows
or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps
Noun: hobgoblin  'hób,gó-blin
  1. (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
    "The children's story featured a mischievous hobgoblin who hid people's belongings";
    - goblin, hob, pooka [Ireland]
     
  2. An object of dread or apprehension
    "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds";
    - bugbear

Derived forms: hobgoblins

Type of: evil spirit, object

Encyclopedia: Hobgoblin, nor foul fiend