trolly-lolly, int.
(ˈtrɒlɪˈlɒlɪ)
[Cf. trolloll.]
A refrain of a song, expressing careless gaiety or jollity. Also in nonce (threatening) use as v. trans. (quot. 1723). So † trolylow (also as an expression of contempt), troloˈlay Sc. (in conjunction with hogmanay). Also † trolly trolly (? int. or a.), expressing contempt.
| 1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. vii. 109 Þenne seten summe and songen atte ale, And holpen him to herien wiþ ‘Hey! trolly-lolly!’ [1377 B. vi. 118 ‘how! trolli-lolli!’ 1393 C. ix. 123 ‘hoy! troly! lolly!’]. 1529 Lyndesay Complaynt 245 Now trittyll, trattyll, trolylow,..thow dois bot mow. c 1530 Hickscorner 690, I was not gladde, perde! but now: Hey, trolly, lolly! Let us se who can descaunt on this same. 1567 Triall Treas. (1850) 5 Hey howe, troly lowe; hey dery, dery. a 1693 Urquhart's Rabelais iii. xxxvi. 298 Wishy, washy; Trolly, trolly. 1723 Case of Edward Collins 11 She said to her I'll trolly-lolly you. 1792 Caledonian Mercury 2 Jan. (Jam. s.v. Hogmanay), The cry of Hogmanay Trololay, is of usage immemorial in this country. |