hobgoblin Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
    goblin; hob.
  2. noun an object of dread or apprehension
    bugbear.
    • Germany was always a bugbear for France
    • A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"--Ralph Waldo Emerson

WordNet

Hob"gob`lin noun
Etymology
See 2d Hob, and Goblin.
Definitions
  1. A frightful goblin; an imp; a bugaboo; also, a name formerly given to the household spirit, Robin Goodfellow. Macaulay.

Webster 1913