Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Hobbyhorse
{
Hob′by
,Hob′by-horseˊ
, }Noun.
[OE.
hobin
a nag, OF. hobin
hobby; cf. hober
to stir, move; prob. of German or Scand. origin; cf. Dan. hoppe
a mare, dial. Sw. hoppa
; perh. akin to E. hop
to jump.] 1.
A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; an ambling nag.
Johnson.
2.
A stick, often with the head or figure of a horse, on which boys make believe to ride.
[ Usually under the form
hobbyhorse
.] 3.
A subject or plan upon which one is constantly setting off; a favorite and ever-recurring theme of discourse, thought, or effort; that which occupies one’s attention unduly, or to the weariness of others; a ruling passion.
[Usually under the form
hobby
.] Not one of them has any
hobbyhorse
, to use the phrase of Sterne. Macaulay.
Webster 1828 Edition
Hobbyhorse
HOB'BYHORSE
,Noun.
1.
A character in the old May games.2.
A stupid or foolish person.3.
The favorite object of pursuit.