the name of a hawk called by some authors fubbuteo. See Falco, Ornithology Index.

It is a hawk of the lure, and not of the fist; and is very like the falcon, only much less. It makes excellent sport with net and spaniels; for when the birds see the hobby, they dare not commit themselves to the wing, but lie close to the ground, and so are taken in nets.

Hobby is also a name formerly given to strong active horses of a middling size: they are reported to have been originally natives of Ireland, and were much liked and used. Nags answer the same description as to size, qualities, and employments.