noun
dobbin
DAH-bin/dˈɑbɪn/
An ordinary horse used for farm work.
The patient dobbin stands harnessed to a wooden cart loaded with hay.
Etymology
Dobbin probably began as a diminutive of Dob, a familiar form of Robin or Robert. The personal name was applied to a horse and became a common designation for an ordinary farm or work horse.
More examples
- Our old dobbin pulls the cart along the farm lane.
- Two dobbins rest in the shade after plowing.
- She brushes the dobbin before putting on its harness.
Forms
dobbin · dobbins
Similar words
- workhorse
- Emphasizes regular hard labor rather than specifically farm work.
- draft horse
- Specifies a horse bred for pulling heavy loads.