Ob"sta*cle (?), n. [F., fr. L.
obstaculum, fr. obstare to withstand, oppose; ob
(see Ob-) + stare to stand. See Stand. and cf.
Oust, v.] That which stands in the way,
or opposes; anything that hinders progress; a hindrance; an
obstruction, physical or moral.
If all obstacles were cut away.
And that my path were even to the crown.
Shak.
Syn. -- Impediment; obstuction; hindrance; difficulty. See
Impediment, and Obstruction.