Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HIDE'BOUND, a.

1. A horse is hidebound, when his skin sticks so closely to his ribs and back, as not to be easily loosened or raised. Far. Dict. Trees are said to be hidebound, when the bark is so close or firm that it impedes the growth. Bacon.
2. Harsh; untractable. [Not used.] Hudibras.
3. Niggardly; penurious. [Not used.] Ainsworth.