Hob

Pronunciation

• GenAm enPR: hŏb, IPA: /hÉ‘b/
• RP enPR: hŏb, IPA: /hÉ’b/Rhymes: -É’b

Full definition of hob

Noun

1. A kind of cutting tool, used to cut the teeth of a gear.
2. (obsolete) The flat projection or iron shelf at the side of a fire grate, where things are put to be kept warm.
3. (British) The top cooking surface on a cooker. It typically comprises several cooking elements (often four), also known as 'rings'.
• 1913, Lawrence, Sons and Lovers,And the first sound in the house was the bang, bang of the poker against the raker, as Morel smashed the remainder of the coal to make the kettle, which was filled and left on the hob, finally boil.
4. A rounded peg used as a target in several games, especially in quoits
5. A male ferret.
6. The hub of a wheel.

Synonyms

• (cooking surface) cooktop, stovetop, range US

Verb

1. (transitive) To create (a gear) by cutting with a hob.
2. (intransitive) To engage in the process of cutting gears with a hob.

From Middle English Hob (a diminutive of Robin, an Old French diminutive of Robert), through its connection with Robin Goodfellow and (later) the devil. Compare hobgoblin; see robin.

Noun

1. (obsolete) a fairy; a sprite; an elfFrom elves, hobs, and fairies, ... Defend us, good Heaven! — Beaumont and Fletcher.
2. (obsolete) a countryman; a rustic or yokel

Derived terms

• play hob with, raise hob

Anagrams

• BHO, HBO