Hidebound is a word that originates from the phrase "hide bound," which refers to the tightness of animal skin after it has been dried. The word is spelled as hi-d-b-ow-nd, with the "b" being silent. The IPA transcription of hidebound is /ˈhaɪdˌbaʊnd/. This term has two meanings: the first is literal, meaning the skin of an animal that's too tight because it has been excessively dry; and second, it refers to a person who is narrow-minded, resistant to change, or set in their ways.
Hidebound is an adjective describing a person or an idea that is resistant to change or new ideas due to rigid adherence to traditional beliefs or conventions. It refers to an individual or a mindset that is unwilling or unable to adapt to new circumstances or evolve with the times. The term often suggests that such individuals or ideas are excessively conservative, inflexible, or narrow-minded in their perspectives.
A hidebound person is typically set in their ways and strongly attached to old customs or established routines, often valuing tradition over innovation or progress. They may resist change due to fear of the unknown or a strong sense of loyalty to long-standing principles and practices. Hence, hidebound individuals may find it difficult to accept new technologies, social changes, or unconventional ideas.
Similarly, a hidebound idea represents a notion that is unyielding or resistant to revision, even when confronted with evidence or logical arguments to the contrary. This could be manifested in various fields such as politics, religion, or science, where outdated or conservative viewpoints dominate, hindering progress and limiting open-mindedness.
In summary, hidebound refers to a person or an idea that is stubbornly resistant to change, often due to a strong attachment to tradition or an aversion to unfamiliar concepts. Such individuals or ideas can hinder growth and innovation by adhering excessively to old ways and resisting adaptation.
Applied to a disease of cows and horses characterised by a morbid tightness of the skin; having the bark so close and firm as to impede growth-said of trees.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hidebound" has its roots in Old English, specifically in the word "hīd", which meant "skin", and "bund", which meant "bound". In its literal sense, the term referred to an animal with a hide that was firmly bound or tightly stretched. Over time, "hidebound" acquired a figurative meaning to describe someone who is rigid and inflexible in their thinking or resistant to change. This expansion of meaning likely developed metaphorically from the concept of a rigid or inflexible hide.