Meaning

noun (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings

noun (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous

noun a hard steel edge tool used to cut gears

originFrom Middle English Hob (a diminutive of Robin, an Old French [Term?] diminutive of Robert), through its connection with Robin Goodfellow and (later) the devil. Compare hobgoblin; see robin.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0