jolly1
adj.
(jollier, jolliest)
happy and cheerful.
▸informal lively and entertaining.
v.
(jollies, jollying, jollied)
informal encourage in a friendly way.
▸
(jolly someone/thing up)
make someone or something more jolly.
adv.
Brit. informal very.
n.
(pl. jollies)
Brit. informal a party or celebration.
Phrase
Derivative
- jollily adv.
- jolliness n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. jolif, an earlier form of joli ‘pretty’, perh. from ON jól (see Yule).
jolly2
n.
(pl. jollies)
a clinker-built ship's boat that is smaller than a cutter.
Etymology
C18: perh. rel. to yawl.