hob•byˈhɒb i(n.)(pl.)-bies.

1. an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation.

2. a child's hobbyhorse.

3. Archaic. a small horse.

Origin of hobby:

1325–75; ME hoby(n), prob. for Robin or Robert (cf. hob2), used as horse's name, as in dobbin

hob′by•ist(n.)

hob•byˈhɒb i(n.)(pl.)-bies.

1. any of various small, very swift falcons, esp. Falco subbuteo, of Eurasia.

   Category: Ornithology

Origin of hobby:

1400–50; late ME hoby < MF hobé, suffixal var. of MF, OF hobel