noun
dobby
noun
1
A mechanism on a loom that weaves small geometric patterns into fabric, or the fabric produced this way.
"The tablecloth had a subtle dobby weave."
2
In folklore, a mischievous or helpful household spirit.
"Village stories told of a dobby that tidied the kitchen at night."
How to Use Dobby
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a weaving technique/fabric with small patterns, or a folkloric house-spirit.
Word Forms
dobbies plural
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The tablecloth had a subtle _____ weave.
Etymology
From the name Dobby, itself a variant of Rob, associated with household spirits in British folklore.