Hitch (?), v.

t. [Cf. Scot. hitch a motion by a jerk, and hatch, hotch, to move by jerks, also Prov. G. hiksen, G. hinken, to limp, hobble; or E. hiccough; or possibly akin to E. hook.]

1.

To become entangled or caught; to be linked or yoked; to unite; to cling.

Atoms . . . which at length hitched together. South.

2.

To move interruptedly or with halts, jerks, or steps; -- said of something obstructed or impeded.

Slides into verse, and hitches in a rhyme. Pope.

To ease themselves . . . by hitching into another place. Fuller.

3.

To hit the legs together in going, as horses; to interfere.

[Eng.]

Halliwell.

 

© Webster 1913.


Hitch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hitched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Hitching.]

1.

To hook; to catch or fasten as by a hook or a knot; to make fast, unite, or yoke; as, to hitch a horse, or a halter.

2.

To move with hitches; as, he hitched his chair nearer.

To hitch up. (a) To fasten up. (b) To pull or raise with a jerk; as, a sailor hitches up his trousers. (c) To attach, as a horse, to a vehicle; as, hitch up the gray mare. [Colloq.]

 

© Webster 1913.


Hitch, n.

1.

A catch; anything that holds, as a hook; an impediment; an obstacle; an entanglement.

2.

The act of catching, as on a hook, etc.

3.

A stop or sudden halt; a stoppage; an impediment; a temporary obstruction; an obstacle; as, a hitch in one's progress or utterance; a hitch in the performance.

4.

A sudden movement or pull; a pull up; as, the sailor gave his trousers a hitch.

5. Naut.

A knot or noose in a rope which can be readily undone; -- intended for a temporary fastening; as, a half hitch; a clove hitch; a timber hitch, etc.

6. Geol.

A small dislocation of a bed or vein.

 

© Webster 1913.