HOBHOUCHIN also HOBHOWCHIN NOUN an owl ...1682 obs. exc. Eng. dial. ETYMOLOGY from hob (n. a variation of the Christian name Robert or Robin, hence formerly a generic name for a rustic, a clown) + houchin (n. an owl) FIRST DOCUMENTED USE 1682 - see EXAMPLE below EXAMPLE "...How would you sneak, vile Souls, if at the Barr, My daily sport, you met with horrid Warr? How would you stand a tedious Chanc'ry Hearing, If poor Hobhowchin puts you in this fearing? How would your hearts misgive to bide a Triall, No Friend at Hand, nor in your Purse a Ryall?..." From: Le Lutrin an Heroick Poem - Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux Translated by N.O.
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