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.

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