frolic

Definition

Merry, joyous, full of mirth; later especially, frolicsome, sportive, full of playful mischief.

Etymology

From Dutch vrolijk (“cheerful”), from Middle Dutch vrolijc, from Old Dutch frōlīk, from Proto-Germanic *frawalīkaz. Compare German fröhlich (“blitheful, gaily, happy, merry”). The first element, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *frawaz, is cognate with Middle English frow (“hasty”); the latter element, ultimately from *-līkaz, is cognate with -ly, -like.

Example Sentences

• "The frolick wind that breathes the Spring, Zephyr with Aurora playing, As he met her once a Maying There on Beds of Violets blew,"
• "For women, born to be controul’d, Stoop to the forward and the bold, Affect the haughty and the proud, The gay, the frollick, and the loud."
• "You meet him at the tables and conversations of the wise, the impertinent, the grave, the frolic, and the witty; [...]"