HOOP, h[=oo]p, _n._ a pliant strip of wood or metal formed into a ring or
band, for holding together the staves of casks, &c.: something resembling
such: a large ring of wood or metal for a child to trundle: a ring: (_pl._)
elastic materials used to expand the skirt of a lady's dress.--_v.t._ to
bind with hoops: to encircle.--_ns._ HOOP'-ASH, a kind of ash much used for
making hoops (same as _Nettle-tree_); HOOPED'-POT, a drinking-pot with
hoops to mark the amount each man should drink; HOOP'ER, one who hoops
casks: a cooper. [A.S. _hóp_; Dut. _hoep_.]