n.
- a rigid circular band, especially one used for binding the staves of barrels or forming a framework.
▸a large ring used as a toy or for circus performers to jump through.
▸historical a circle of flexible material used to expand a woman's petticoat.
- a metal arch through which the balls are hit in croquet.
- a contrasting horizontal band on a sports shirt or cap.
- Austral. informal a jockey.
v.
bind or encircle with hoops.
Phrase
- put someone
(or go)
through the hoops
make someone undergo (or be made to undergo) a gruelling test.
Derivative
Etymology
OE hōp, of W. Gmc origin.