fob Definition

fob¹
verb

fobbed, fobbing
1. Now only in phrases below.

Etymology: 16c: related to German foppen to delude or jeer.

Phrasal Verb: fob someone off

To dismiss or ignore them.
Example: tried to fob off his critics

Phrasal Verb: fob someone off with something

To provide them with something inferior (eg a poor substitute, or an inadequate explanation), usually in the hope that they will be satisfied.

Phrasal Verb: fob something off on someone

To manage to sell or pass off something inferior to someone.

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fob²
noun

1. A chain attached to a watch.
2. A decorative attachment to a key ring or watch chain.
3. historical
A small watch pocket in a waistcoat or trouser waistband, for holding a fob watch.

Etymology: 17c: perhaps related to German dialect fuppe pocket.