droll

views updated May 29 2018

droll / drōl/ • adj. curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement: his unique brand of droll self-mockery.• n. archaic a jester or entertainer; a buffoon.DERIVATIVES: droll·er·y / ˈdrōlərē/ n.droll·ness n.drol·ly adv.

droll

views updated May 18 2018

droll XVII. — F. drôle, earlier †drolle (uncertainly rel. to MDu. drolle little chap).
So droll sb. waggish fellow; †farce, puppet-show; †jesting, burlesque. XVII. perh. — MDu. droll vb. make fun (of). XVII. — F. †drōler, drollery †puppet show, comic picture XVI; waggery XVII. — F. drōlerie.