jol·li·ty \ˈjäləd.ē, -ətē, -i\noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English jolifte, jolite, from Old French joliveté, jolifté, jolité, from jolif, joli + -té -ty 1.: the quality or state of being jolly : gaiety, merriment, cheer < put on a show of bluff jollity — Irwin Shaw > 2.Britain: a festive gathering, meeting, or entertainment < the occasion was a jollity of the Bursley Burial Club — Arnold Bennett > 3.obsolete: splendor, magnificence