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hitch

hitch


hitch    Audio Help   (hĭch)   

v.   hitched, hitch·ing, hitch·es

v.   tr.

  1. To fasten or catch temporarily with or as if with a loop, hook, or noose.

  2. To connect or attach, as to a vehicle: hitched the horses to the sleigh.

  3. To move or raise by pulling or jerking: hitch up one's suspenders.

  4. Informal To hitchhike: hitched a ride to the rally.

  5. Slang To marry: They got hitched last month.

v.   intr.

  1. To move haltingly; hobble.

  2. To become entangled, snarled, or fastened.

  3. Informal To hitchhike.

n.  

  1. Any of various knots used as a temporary fastening.

  2. A device used to connect one thing to another.

  3. A short jerking motion; a tug.

  4. A hobble or limp.

  5. An impediment or a delay: a hitch in our plans.

  6. A term of service, especially of military service.

  7. Informal A free ride obtained along a road.


[Probably from Middle English hytchen, icchen, to move, jerk.]
hitch'er n.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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