Jol″ly (jŏl″ly̆), a. [Compar.Jollier (–lĭ‐ẽr); superl.Jolliest.] [OF. joli, jolif, joyful, merry, F. joli pretty; of Scand. origin, akin to E. yule; cf. Icel. jōl yule, Christmas feast. See Yule.]
1. Full of life and mirth; jovial; joyous; merry; mirthful.
Like a jolly troop of huntsmen. Shak.
“A jolly place,” said he, “in times of old!
But something ails it now: the spot is cursed.” Wordsworth.
2. Expressing mirth, or inspiring it; exciting mirth and gayety.
And with his jolly pipe delights the groves. Prior.
Their jolly notes they chanted loud and clear. Fairfax.
3. Of fine appearance; handsome; excellent; lively; agreeable; pleasant. “A jolly cool wind.” Sir T. North.
Full jolly knight he seemed, and fair did sit. Spenser.
The coachman is swelled into jolly dimensions. W. Irving.