IPA: /ˈhɒb.lər/
KK: /ˈhɑb.lɚ/
A person who walks with difficulty, often due to injury or disability.
The hobbler moved slowly along the path, taking careful steps.
The word 'hobbler' originates from the Middle English 'hobler', which is derived from 'hob', a term used for a small, mischievous creature or a rustic man, and the suffix '-er', which denotes a person who performs a specific action. Thus, a hobbler is a person who behaves in a lively or mischievous manner, akin to the characteristics of a hob.
Think of a 'hob' as a playful creature, and remember that a 'hobbler' is someone who acts in a lively or mischievous way, just like that creature.