is a name vulgarly applied to fairies or apparitions. Skinner calls the word robogoblins, and derives it from Robin Goodfellow, Hob being the nick-name of Robin: but Wallis and Junius, with greater probability, derive it from hognoblins, empusa, because they are supposed to hop without moving both their feet.

HOBBLERS, or HOBILERS, Hobelartii, in our ancient customs, were men who, by their tenure, were obliged to maintain a light horse or hobby, for the certifying any invasion towards the sea-side.—The name was also used for certain Irish knights, who used to serve as light horsemen upon hobbies.