jollity

  • 1Jollity — Jol li*ty, n. [From {Jolly}: cf. OF. joliet[ e], jolivet[ e].] Noisy mirth; gayety; merriment; festivity; boisterous enjoyment. Chaucer. [1913 Webster] All now was turned to jollity and game. Milton. [1913 Webster] He with a proud jollity… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 2jollity — (n.) c.1300, jolyfte, iolite, from O.Fr. jolivete gaity, cheerfulness; amorous passion; life of pleasure, from jolif (see JOLLY (Cf. jolly)) …

    Etymology dictionary

  • 3jollity — hilarity, glee, *mirth Analogous words: merriment, joviality, jocundity, blitheness (see corresponding adjectives at MERRY): sport, disport, play, frolic, rollick, gambol, romp (see under PLAY vb): diversion, amusement, recreation, entertainment… …

    New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • 4jollity — ► NOUN 1) lively and cheerful activity. 2) the quality of being jolly …

    English terms dictionary

  • 5jollity — [jäl′ə tē] n. [ME jolite < OFr < joli: see JOLLY] 1. the quality or state of being jolly; fun; gaiety 2. pl. jollities Brit. a jolly occasion; party …

    English World dictionary

  • 6jollity — [[t]ʤɒ̱lɪti[/t]] N UNCOUNT Jollity is cheerful behaviour. [OLD FASHIONED] ...the singing and jollity of the celebration …

    English dictionary

  • 7jollity — noun a) The state of being jolly; cheerfulness. The Jolly Sandboys was a small road side inn of pretty ancient date, with a sign, representing three Sandboys increasing their jollity with as many jugs of ale and bags of gold. b) Revelry or… …

    Wiktionary

  • 8jollity — jol|li|ty [ˈdʒɔlıti US ˈdʒa: ] n also jollities [U] formal when people are happy and enjoying themselves ▪ a night of riotous jollity …

    Dictionary of contemporary English

  • 9jollity — noun (plural ties) Date: 14th century 1. the quality or state of being jolly ; merriment 2. British a festive gathering …

    New Collegiate Dictionary

  • 10jollity — /jol i tee/, n., pl. jollities. 1. jolly or merry mood, condition, or activity; gaiety. 2. jollities, jolly festivities. [1250 1300; ME jolite < OF, equiv. to joli(f) gay (see JOLLY) + te TY2] Syn. 1. See mirth. * * * …

    Universalium