Laugh (läf), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Laughed (läft); p. pr. & vb. n.Laughing.] [OE. laughen, laghen, lauhen, AS. hlehhan, hlihhan, hlyhhan, hliehhan; akin to OS. hlahan, D. & G. lachen, OHG. hlahhan, lahhan, lahhēn, Icel. hlæja, Dan. lee, Sw. le, Goth. hlahjan; perh. of imitative origin.] 1. To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in laughter.
Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes ran o'er. Shak.
He laugheth that winneth. Heywood's Prov.
2. Fig.: To be or appear gay, cheerful, pleasant, mirthful, lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport.
Then laughs the childish year, with flowerets crowned. Dryden.
In Folly's cup still laughs the bubble Joy. Pope.
To laugh at, to make an object of laughter or ridicule; to make fun of; to deride.
No wit to flatter left of all his store,
No fool to laugh at, which he valued more. Pope.
— To laugh in the sleeve, to laugh secretly, or so as not to be observed, especially while apparently preserving a grave or serious demeanor toward the person or persons laughed at. — To laugh out, to laugh in spite of some restraining influence; to laugh aloud. — To laugh out of the other corner (orside) of the mouth, to weep or cry; to feel regret, vexation, or disappointment after hilarity or exaltation.