hobgoblin

The word 'hobgoblin' is a compound formed in late 16th century English, blending the familiar nickname 'Hob' with 'goblin'. 'Hob', a diminutive of 'Robert' or 'Robin', was commonly attached to rustic or supernatural beings, such as 'hob' for a rustic or 'hobthrush' for a sprite. 'Goblin' entered English from Old French, tracing back to the Medieval Latin 'gobelinus'. The compound initially denoted a more friendly or familiar kind of goblin, often a household spirit, but over time its meaning broadened to encompass any troublesome goblin or, figuratively, a persistent source of fear or annoyance. The logic of the word lies in personalizing and domesticating the more general and often sinister concept of a goblin.

Structure: hob (name) + goblin (evil spirit) hob: A familiar or rustic form of the name "Robin" or "Hobbe" (Middle English), used as a generic name for a rustic or sprite. Its functional role is as a specific modifier. goblin: A word for an ugly, mischievous, or evil creature of folklore (Middle English, from Old French). Its functional role is as the core noun.