ˈfet.ə ˈfɛt.ə ˈfɛt.ɚ ɡɪmp hɪtʃ hɪtʃ ˈhɒbəl ˈhɒbəl ˈhɒpəl the uneven manner of walking that results from an injured leg strap the foreleg and hind leg together on each side (of a horse) in order to keep the legs on the same side moving in unison hobble race horses walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury The old woman hobbles down to the store every day hamper the action or progress of The chairman was hobbled by the all-powerful dean a shackle for the ankles or feet