The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Hurdle \Hur"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hurdleed; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Hurdleing.]
   To hedge, cover, make, or inclose with hurdles. --Milton.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Hurdle \Hur"dle\, n. [OE. hurdel, hirdel, AS. hyrdel; akin to D.
   horde, OHG. hurt, G. h["u]rde a hurdle, fold, pen, Icel. hur?
   door, Goth. ha['u]rds, L. cratis wickerwork, hurdle, Gr. ?,
   Skr. k?t to spin, c?t to bind, connect. [root]16. Cf.
   Crate, Grate, n.]
   1. A movable frame of wattled twigs, osiers, or withes and
      stakes, or sometimes of iron, used for inclosing land, for
      folding sheep and cattle, for gates, etc.; also, in
      fortification, used as revetments, and for other purposes.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. In England, a sled or crate on which criminals were
      formerly drawn to the place of execution. --Bacon.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which
      men or horses leap in a race.
      [1913 Webster]

   Hurdle race, a race in which artificial barriers in the
      form of hurdles, fences, etc., must be leaped.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

hurdle
    n 1: a light movable barrier that competitors must leap over in
         certain races
    2: an obstacle that you are expected to overcome; "the last
       hurdle before graduation"
    3: the act of jumping over an obstacle [syn: vault, hurdle]
    v 1: jump a hurdle