Hopple

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /ˈhɒpəl/

Definitions

1. A method of restraining a quadruped's legs to inhibit its ability to move freely
2. An apparatus used to restrict the movement of an animal by fastening its legs together
3. A tool designed to limit an animal’s mobility by tying or fastening limbs in place

Etymology: "Hopple" is a close relative of "hobble," and its history runs through an older word for leaping. The source ties it to "hop," the verb for a short bounding jump, so the basic idea is restraint: a hopple is a device that keeps an animal from jumping away. The verb to hopple means to fasten the legs of a horse or other animal together with a short rope or strap, so that it can shuffle and graze but cannot run off. The word belongs to a family of similar-looking verbs in English, including "hobble," which shares the same sense of tying or impeding the legs. The overlap is close enough that the two words have often been used interchangeably for restraining livestock. Where "hopple" survives most clearly is in the noun, which names the strap or fetter itself, the physical object that does the job.