To play hob

Play \Play\, v. t.
   1. To put in action or motion; as, to play cannon upon a
      fortification; to play a trump.
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            First Peace and Silence all disputes control,
            Then Order plays the soul.            --Herbert.
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   2. To perform music upon; as, to play the flute or the organ.
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   3. To perform, as a piece of music, on an instrument; as, to
      play a waltz on the violin.
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   4. To bring into sportive or wanton action; to exhibit in
      action; to execute; as, to play tricks.
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            Nature here
            Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will
            Her virgin fancies.                   --Milton.
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   5. To act or perform (a play); to represent in music action;
      as, to play a comedy; also, to act in the character of; to
      represent by acting; to simulate; to behave like; as, to
      play King Lear; to play the woman.
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            Thou canst play the rational if thou wilt. --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.
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   6. To engage in, or go together with, as a contest for
      amusement or for a wager or prize; as, to play a game at
      baseball.
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   7. To keep in play, as a hooked fish, in order to land it.
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   {To play hob}, to play the part of a mischievous spirit; to
      work mischief.

   {To play off}, to display; to show; to put in exercise; as,
      to play off tricks.

   {To play one's cards}, to manage one's means or
      opportunities; to contrive.

   {Played out}, tired out; exhausted; at the end of one's
      resources. [Colloq.]
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