Rounded stones used to pave roads and streets, especially popular in medieval and older European cities.
From Middle English 'cobel' (lump) + 'stone,' with 'cobble' possibly derived from Old English 'cop' meaning head or lump. The term evolved to describe the specific rounded stones used in street paving, with the plural form becoming standard by the 16th century.
Cobblestones were such popular street material that entire industries of stone workers sprang up in medieval Europe—but ironically, they're harder on horse hooves and carriage wheels than smooth asphalt, which is why cities eventually replaced them with modern surfaces.
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