I. ˈtȯi noun
Etymology: Middle English toye
Date: 15th century
1. obsolete
a. : flirtatious or seductive behavior
b. : pastime ; also : a sportive or amusing act : antic
2.
a. : something (as a preoccupation) that is paltry or trifling
b. : a literary or musical trifle or diversion
c. : trinket , bauble
3. : something for a child to play with
4. : something diminutive ; especially : a diminutive animal (as of a small breed or variety)
5. : something that can be toyed with
6. Scottish : a headdress of linen or woolen hanging down over the shoulders and formerly worn by old women of the lower classes
• toy·like -ˌlīk adjective
II. intransitive verb
Date: circa 1529
1. : to act or deal with something lightly or without vigor or purpose
toy ed with the idea
2. : to engage in flirtation
3. : to amuse oneself as if with a toy : play
they're just toy ing with him
Synonyms: see trifle
• toy·er ˈtȯi-ər noun
III. adjective
Date: 1801
1. : of diminutive size compared to a standard form or breed
a toy dog
2. : designed or made for use as a toy
a toy stove