troll
troll1 / trōl/ • n. a mythical, cave-dwelling being depicted in folklore as either a giant or a dwarf, typically having a very ugly appearance.troll2 • v. [intr.] 1. fish by trailing a baited line along behind a boat: we trolled for mackerel. ∎ search for something: a group of companies trolling for partnership opportunities.2. [tr.] sing (something) in a happy and carefree way: troll the ancient Yuletide carol.3. [tr.] inf. Comput. send (an e-mail message or posting on the Internet) intended to provoke a response from the reader by containing errors.4. chiefly Brit. walk; stroll: we all trolled into town.• n. 1. the action of trolling for fish. ∎ a line or bait used in such fishing.2. inf. Comput. an e-mail message or posting on the Internet intended to provoke an indignant response in the reader.DERIVATIVES: troll·er n.
