Noah Webster
Hobble
HOB'BLE, verb intransitive
1. To walk lamely, bearing chiefly on one leg; to limp; to walk with a hitch or hop, or with crutches.
The friar was hobbling the same way too.
2. To walk awkwardly, as when the feet are encumbered with a clog, or with fetters.
3. To move roughly or irregularly, as verse.
While you Pindaric truths rehearse,
She hobbles in alternate verse.
HOB'BLE, verb transitive To perplex. [Not in use.]
HOB'BLE, noun An unequal halting gait; an encumbered awkward step.
He has a hobble in his gait.
1. Difficulty; perplexity.