This Halloween we were greeted at our door by werewolves, mummies, and a wide assortment of sweet-toothed hobgoblins [ˈhɑbˌɡɑblɪn].

hobgoblin
noun [ˈhɑbˌɡɑblɪn]

A hobgoblin is a mischievous goblin that plays tricks in children’s stories. When used figuratively, hobgoblin refers to something that causes fear or worry.

While a goblin is traditionally regarded in folklore as a grotesque, evil, and malicious creature, a hobgoblin tends to be more of a playful troublemaker. (The character of Puck from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream might be regarded as one.)

English