int. [Cf. TROLLOLL.] A refrain of a song, expressing careless gaiety or jollity. Also in nonce (threatening) use as vb. trans. (quot. 1723). So † Trolylow (also as an expression of contempt), Trololay Sc. (in conjunction with HOGMANAY). Also † Trolly trolly (? int. or a.), expressing contempt.
1362. Langl., P. Pl., A. VII. 109. Þenne seten summe and songen atte ale, And holpen him to herien wiþ ‘Hey! trolly-lolly!’ [1377 B. VI. 118. ‘how! trolli-lolli!’ 1393 C. IX. 123. ‘hoy! troly! lolly!’].
1529. Lyndesay, Complaynt, 245. Now trittyil, trattyll, trolylow,… how dois bot mow.
c. 1530. Hickscorner, 690. I was not gladde, perde! but now: Hey, trolly, lolly! Let us se who can descaunt on this same.
1567. Triall Treas. (1850), 5. Hey howe, troly lowe; hey dery, dery.
a. 1693. Urquhart’s Rabelais, III. xxxvi. 298. Wishy, washy: Trolly, trolly.
1723. Case of Edward Collins, 11. She said to her I’ll trolly-lolly you.
1792. Caledonian Mercury, 2 Jan. (Jam. s.v. Hogmanay). The cry of Hogmanay Trololay, is of usage immemorial in this country.
