hɪtʃ v. & n. --v. 1 a tr.
fasten with a
loop,
hook,
etc.;
tether (hitched
the horse to the cart). b intr. (often foll. by
in, on
to, etc.)
become fastened in
this way (the
rod hitched in to the bracket). 2 tr.
move (a thing) with a jerk;
shift slightly (hitched the
pillow to a
comfortable position). 3 colloq. a intr. =
HITCHHIKE. b tr.
obtain (a lift) by hitchhiking. --n. 1 an
impediment; a
temporary obstacle. 2 an
abrupt pull or
push; a jerk. 3 a
noose or knot of
various kinds. 4 colloq. a
free ride in a
vehicle. 5 US sl. a
period of service. øget hitched colloq. marry.
half hitch a knot formed by
passing the
end of a
rope round its standing part and then through the
bight. hitch up
lift (esp. clothing) with a jerk. hitch one's
wagon to a
star make use of powers higher
than one's
own. øøhitcher n. [ME: orig. uncert.]