from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Toy \Toy\ (toi), n. [D. tuid tools, implements, stuff, trash,
speeltuig playthings, toys; akin to G. zeug stuff, materials,
MNG. ziuc, Icel. tygi gear; all ultimately from the root of
E. tug, v. t.; cf. G. zeugen to beget, MHG. ziugen to beget,
make ready, procure. See {Tug}, v. t.]
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1. A plaything for children; a bawble. --Cowper.
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2. A thing for amusement, but of no real value; an article of
trade of little value; a trifle.
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They exchange for knives, glasses, and such toys,
great abundance of gold and pearl. --Abr. Abbot.
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3. A wild fancy; an odd conceit; idle sport; folly; trifling
opinion.
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To fly about playing their wanton toys. --Spenser.
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What if a toy take 'em in the heels now, and they
all run away. --Beau. & Fl.
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Nor light and idle toys my lines may vainly swell.
--Drayton.
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4. Amorous dalliance; play; sport; pastime. --Milton.
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To dally thus with death is no fit toy. --Spenser.
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5. An old story; a silly tale. --Shak.
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6. [Probably the same word.] A headdress of linen or woolen,
that hangs down over the shoulders, worn by old women of
the lower classes; -- called also {toy mutch}. [Scot.]
"Having, moreover, put on her clean toy, rokelay, and
scarlet plaid." --Sir W. Scott.
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