[f. JOLLY a. + -NESS.] The state or quality of being jolly, in the various senses of the adj.; jollity.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Sqr.’s T., 281. In this Iolynesse I lete hem til men to the soper dresse.
c. 1430. Pilgr. Lyf Manhode, IV. xiv. (1869), 183. Þat is a perile to which jolyfnesse [F. jeunesse] led me.
c. 1450. Merlin, 475. For the jolynesse that was in hym and the myrthe.
1530. Palsgr., 235/1. Iolynesse, joliueté.
1601. Sir W. Cornwallis, Ess., II. xlvi. Hh viij. This life of armes which custom hath taught to put on a gallant iollinesse in his outward behauiour.
1682. Bunyan, Holy War, 336. At his own table, among his own guests … in the midst of his jolliness.
1894. Yellow Bk., I. 82. Times of jolliness and glad indulgence.
