dobby

plural dobbies · alternative dobbie

1. countableuncountablebusinessA device in some looms that allows the weaving of small geometric patterns.
2. countableuncountablebusinessThe patterns so woven, or the fabric containing the patterns.
3. countableuncountablehuman sciencesAn evil or mischievous fairy or ghost sometimes said to haunt a building or household.

   He understood Greek, Latin, and Hebrew; and, therefore, according to the apprehension, and in the phrase of his brother Wilfred, needed not to care “for ghaist or bar-ghaist, devil or dobbie.”

   1817 December 31 (indicated as 1818), [Walter Scott], Rob Roy. […], volume I, Edinburgh: […] James Ballantyne and Co. for Archibald Constable and Co. […]; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, →OCLC

   1 more example

   'Twas no livin' woman, for she couldn't rise that height above the water, as they well knew when they came to think; and knew it was a dobby they saw; and ye may be sure they didn't spare prayer and blessin', and went on their course straight before the wind; […].

   1871, Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, The Haunted Baronet

4. archaiccountableuncountableA dotard.

   Synonyms: dodipole, mimmerkin, dodipole, dotard, dote, dotel, doter, dottle

5. uncountablechiefly NottinghamshiregamesThe children's game of tag.

1. A surname originating as a patronymic.
2. A male given name.