noun
dobbin
DO-bihn
noun
1
An old, worn-out or slow-moving horse, especially a workhorse.
"The farmer led old Dobbin back to the stable for the night."
2
A generic pet name for a workhorse, used the way "John Doe" stands in for an average person.
"In old fables, the farm horse is often just called Dobbin."
How to Use Dobbin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, slightly affectionate word for a plodding workhorse.
When to use it
Old-fashioned and rural in tone; rarely used outside of stories or jokes today.
Common pairings
old Dobbin
a faithful dobbin
Word Forms
dobbins plural
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Etymology
From Dobbin, a traditional common name given to workhorses in English-speaking farming communities.