HOBBYHORSE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Hobbyhorse

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noun

Hobbyhorse, Hobby n.

A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; an ambling nag.

A stick, often with the head or figure of a horse, on which boys make believe to ride. (Usually under the form hobbyhorse)

A subject or plan upon which one is constantly setting off; a favorite and ever-recurring theme of discourse, thought, or effort; that which occupies one's attention unduly, or to the weariness of others; a ruling passion. (Usually under the form hobby) "Not one of them has any hobbyhorse, to use the phrase of Sterne."

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Etymology of 'Hobbyhorse'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Hobbyhorse" Quotes from Famous Books

... are all specimens of the upper part of the middle class. They have been liberally educated. They all lie under the restraints of the same sacred profession. They are all young. They are all in love. Not one of them has any hobbyhorse, to use the phrase of Sterne. Not one has a ruling passion, such as we read of in Pope. Who would not have expected them to be insipid likenesses of each other? No such thing. Harpagon is not more unlike to Jourdain, Joseph Surface is not more unlike to Sir ...

— The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay Volume 1 • Madame D'Arblay

... sang sometimes as long as nine minutes. Her song usually came forth when she was at play, or exercising in some way. One time she became especially delighted because her wheel squeaked when she turned it. You know how pleased a boy is when his hobbyhorse creaks. So Hespie, too, enjoyed the new noise; but it so drowned her pretty little warble that a drop of oil was put in the wheel ...

— Dew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 8, February 22, 1914 • Various

... mouth. "There was once a large king. It wasn't his fault. The girth went with the crown. All the Koppabottemburgs were enormous. Besides, it went very well with his subjects. Looking upon him, they felt they were getting their money's worth. A man of simple tastes, his favourite hobby ...

— Jonah and Co. • Dornford Yates

... Belle galloping away at a great pace, on her new hobby. I should n't be surprised to hear of her preaching in the jail, adopting a nice dirty little orphan, or passing round tracts at a Woman's Rights meeting," said Trix, who never could forgive Belle for having a lovely complexion, and so much hair of her own that she ...

— An Old-fashioned Girl • Louisa May Alcott

... thing is pretty clear. It would be less clear if those coins had been worn by use and circulation. But they are both of them Mint perfect, and they are of different dates. Do you suppose that our friend Fenwick makes a hobby of collecting English sovereigns? Besides, the man in the frock coat was going to do something with these coins; and, of course, you noticed how carefully they were ...

— The Mystery of the Four Fingers • Fred M. White

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