A small loom attachment that controls threads to create patterns, or in Harry Potter, a small magical creature bound to serve a household.
From weaving terminology, possibly from 'dob' (to bounce or move up and down) or related to 'bob.' Used in textile manufacturing since the 1800s. The fantasy creature meaning is modern, coined by J.K. Rowling but inspired by traditional folklore.
The textile dobby is a genuine innovation that automated pattern-making in fabric—it's actually a precursor to the Jacquard loom, which itself inspired computer programming punch cards, connecting medieval weaving to modern computing.
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