mob

Etymology 1

From Middle English mob, short for mobile, from Latin mōbile (vulgus) (“fickle (crowd)”). The video-gaming sense originates from English mobile, used by Richard Bartle for objects capable of movement in an early MUD.

noun

1. A large or disorderly group of people; especially one bent on riotous or destructive action.
   Had every Athenian citizen been a Socrates, every Athenian assembly would still have been a mob. February 13, 1788, James Madison, Jr., Federalist No. 55
   See also: Mob (the masses)
2. (archaic) The lower classes of a community; the rabble.
3. (collective noun) A group of animals such as horses or cattle.
4. (collective noun) A group of kangaroos.
5. (collective noun) A flock of emus.
6. A mafia: a group that engages in organized crime.
   What if it is a mob killing? They can’t hurt me, but … 1986, Paul Chadwick, Concrete: Under the Desert Stars, Dark Horse Books
   See also: Mob, Mafia (proper noun senses for specific ones)
7. (video games) A non-player character, especially one that exists to be fought or killed to further the progression of the story or game.
   You can't win with small, balanced groups. You have to zerg the mob with a high number of players. 2002, Wolfie, “Re: Whoa - massive changes due in next patch”, in alt.games.everquest (Usenet)
8. (Australian Aboriginal) A group of Aboriginal people associated with an extended family group, clan group or wider community group, from a particular place or country.
   There’s nothing like local knowledge and after thousands of years living here the Noongar mob understand this land better than anyone, so it makes sense for them to tap into the lucrative tourism industry. March 10 2011, Allan Clarke, W.A. through Noongar eyes

verb

1. (transitive) To crowd around (someone), sometimes with hostility.
   The fans mobbed a well-dressed couple who resembled their idols.
   Politicians have been turning up to Glastonbury for years, but this year the leader of the opposition was among the most hotly anticipated attractions: when he arrived on site, his Land Rover was mobbed by fans. June 26, 2017, Alexis Petridis, “Glastonbury 2017 verdict: Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Lorde, Stormzy and more”, in the Guardian
2. (transitive) To crowd into or around a place.
   The shoppers mobbed the store on the first day of the sale.

Etymology 2

Alteration of mab.

noun

1. (obsolete) A promiscuous woman; a harlot or wench; a prostitute.
2. A mob cap.
   c. 1773-1774, Oliver Goldsmith, letter to Mrs Bunbury cover their faces with mobs

verb

1. (transitive) To wrap up in, or cover with, a cowl.

Etymology 3

Abbreviation of mobile phone.

noun

1. Abbreviation of mobile phone.