Ob"sta*cle (?), n. [F., fr. L. obstaculum, fr. obstare to withstand, oppose; ob (see Ob-) + stare to stand. See Stand. and cf. Oust, v.]
That which stands in the way, or opposes; anything that hinders progress; a hindrance; an obstruction, physical or moral.
If all obstacles were cut away.
And that my path were even to the crown.
Shak.
Syn. -- Impediment; obstuction; hindrance; difficulty. See Impediment, and Obstruction.
© Webster 1913.