jollity

From Middle English jolyfte, from Old French joliveté (“gaity, cheerfulness; amorous passion; life of pleasure”), from jolif (see jolly).

jollity (countable and uncountable, plural jollities)

1. (uncountable) The state of being jolly; cheerfulness.
   • 1841, Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop, ch. 18:

     The Jolly Sandboys was a small road-side inn of pretty ancient date, with a sign, representing three Sandboys increasing their jollity with as many jugs of ale and bags of gold.

2. (countable) Revelry or festivity; a merry or festive gathering.
   • 2006, Rupert Cornwell, "You'd think it was the Thirties all over again," Independent (UK), 4 Sept. (retrieved 21 Sept. 2009):

     Across the US, candidates traditionally attend rallies, barbecues and similar jollities in their states and districts.

3. (countable) Things, remarks, or characteristics which are enjoyable.
   • 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, ch. 11:

     Add to this picture a jolly, crackling, rollicking fire, going rejoicingly up a great wide chimney,—the outer door and every window being set wide open, and the calico window-curtain flopping and snapping in a good stiff breeze of damp raw air,—and you have an idea of the jollities of a Kentucky tavern.

• joltily