dolly

Definition

A doll.

Etymology

From doll + -y, from the given name Dorothy, originally applied either to a woman or female pet or to a children's toy, and expanded to refer to various types of contrivances or devices. The Online Etymology Dictionary, while considering the reason for applying it to such devices unobvious, compares how the names jack, jenny and jimmy are also applied to devices.

Example Sentences

• "‘He pushed one of my dolly’s eyes in,’ sobbed Dora, hugging her dolly as she replied."
• "LAUNDRY. 1 Dolly tub and pegs 2 Mangle 3 Washing machine"
• "In its most common form, the dolly was a four- or five-legged stool attached to an upright handle about three feet long with a crossbar handle at the top."