The name of an ancient city in Asia Minor, besieged and taken by the Greeks; in comb. Troy-bane, -born, -jousting; Troy-fair, Troy-town (also simply † Troy), fig. a scene of disorder or confusion (now dial.).
a. 1520. Vox Populi, 522, in Hazl., E. P. P., III. 286. And Pauper he above satte In the seate of Habrahams lappe, And was taken from thys Troye, To lyve allwaye with God in ioye.
1606. Holland, Sueton., 130. He represented besides, many Cirq-games,… interposing … the Troie-justing and Turnament.
1652. Benlowes, Theoph., I. xii. Does Troy-bane Hellen … with Angels share?
1678. Otway, Friendship in F., V. i. And for the Cittern, if ever Troy Town were a Tune, he master’d it upon that Instrument.
1870. N. & Q., 4th Ser. VI. 300/1. Troy Fair. I heard this phrase lately employed … to describe a time of household confusion. Ibid., 401. In this part of Devonshire a room with its furniture disarranged is said to be ‘like Troy Town.’
1875. Morris, Æneid, III. 359.
| O Troy-born, O Gods’ messenger, who knowest Phœbus’ will, | |
| The tripods and the Clarian’s bay, and what the stars fulfil. | |
| Ibid., V. 61. | |
| Troy-born Acestes giveth you two head of hornèd beasts | |
| For every ship. |
1880. W. Cornwall Gloss., Troy town, a maze; a labyrinth of streets. ‘I lost my way: ’twas a regular Troy town.’
