hitches
UK[ˈhɪtʃɪz]US[ˈhɪtʃɪz]
v
third person singular present of hitch. to fasten or connect something to another thing with a rope, hook, etc.
n
plural of hitch. a temporary problem or difficulty that causes a short delay.
Etymology
the verb "hitch" emerged in the late middle english period, around the 15th century. its origin is uncertain, but it is likely a variant of the earlier middle english word "icchen," meaning "to move jerkily" or "to snatch," which itself is of obscure origin. the core literal sense of attaching or fastening, often with a jerking motion, evolved naturally from this idea of a sudden pull or movement. from this concrete action, the noun sense developed, metaphorically extending the idea of a sudden jerk or pull to signify any temporary obstruction or snag that interrupts smooth progress.
Analysis
the word "hitches" is the inflected form (third-person singular present tense, plural noun) of the simplex root "hitch." the root "hitch" is not productively divisible into smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern english.
Examples
she hitches the trailer to the back of her truck before a long trip.
the project proceeded without a single hitch.
a slight hitch in the plan caused us to miss the first train.