Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HOB'BLE, v.i. [W. hobelu, to hop, to hobble. See Hop.]

1. To walk lamely, bearing chiefly on one leg; to limp; to walk with a hitch or hop, or with crutches. The friar was hobbling the same way too. Dryden.
2. To walk awkwardly, as when the feet are encumbered with a clog, or with fetters.
3. To move roughly or irregularly, as verse. While you Pindaric truths rehearse, / She hobbles in alternate verse. Prior.