Dobbin

Etymology

From Dobb (“a medieval short form of the given name Robert”) +‎ -en; thus archaically equivalent to Bobby. Cognate with English Dobbie.

Proper noun

Dobbin

1. A surname originating as a patronymic.
2. A pet name given to workhorses, and by extension, a placeholder name used for any workhorse, much like John Q. Public and other such placeholders are used for people.

   Early automobiles were a menace to old Dobbin

   • c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii], page 168:

     […] thou haſt got more haire on thy chin, then Dobbin my phillhorſe has on his taile.

3. An unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Texas, United States.
4. An unincorporated community in Grant County, West Virginia, United States.