\Hitch\ (h[i^]ch), v. t. [Cf. Scot. hitch a motion by a
jerk, and hatch, hotch, to move by jerks, also Prov. G.
hiksen, G. hinken, to limp, hobble; or E. hiccough; or
possibly akin to E. hook.]
1. To become entangled or caught; to be linked or yoked; to
   unite; to cling.
         Atoms . . . which at length hitched together.
                                               --South.
2. To move interruptedly or with halts, jerks, or steps; --
   said of something obstructed or impeded.
         Slides into verse, and hitches in a rhyme. --Pope.
         To ease themselves . . . by hitching into another
         place.                                --Fuller.
3. To hit the legs together in going, as horses; to
   interfere. [Eng.] --Halliwell.

\Hitch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Hitched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Hitching}.]
1. To hook; to catch or fasten as by a hook or a knot; to
   make fast, unite, or yoke; as, to hitch a horse, or a
   halter.
2. To move with hitches; as, he hitched his chair nearer.
{To hitch up}.
   (a) To fasten up.
   (b) To pull or raise with a jerk; as, a sailor hitches up
       his trousers.
   (c) To attach, as a horse, to a vehicle; as, hitch up the
       gray mare. [Colloq.]

\Hitch\, n.
1. A catch; anything that holds, as a hook; an impediment; an
   obstacle; an entanglement.
2. The act of catching, as on a hook, etc.
3. A stop or sudden halt; a stoppage; an impediment; a
   temporary obstruction; an obstacle; as, a hitch in one's
   progress or utterance; a hitch in the performance.
4. A sudden movement or pull; a pull up; as, the sailor gave
   his trousers a hitch.
5. (Naut.) A knot or noose in a rope which can be readily
   undone; -- intended for a temporary fastening; as, a half
   hitch; a clove hitch; a timber hitch, etc.
6. (Geol.) A small dislocation of a bed or vein.