I. ˈtrōl verb
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Anglo-French * troiller, *troller; akin to Anglo-French troil, trolle winch
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1. : to cause to move round and round : roll
2.
a. : to sing the parts of (as a round or catch) in succession
b. : to sing loudly
c. : to celebrate in song
3.
a. : to fish for by trolling
b. : to fish by trolling in
troll lakes
c. : to pull through the water in trolling
troll a lure
d. : to search in or at
troll s flea markets for bargains
also : prowl
troll nightclubs
intransitive verb
1. : to move around : ramble
2.
a. : to fish by trailing a lure or baited hook from a moving boat
b. : search , look
troll ing for sponsors
also : prowl
3. : to sing or play in a jovial manner
4. : to speak rapidly
• troll·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1869
: a lure or a line with its lure and hook used in trolling
III. noun
Etymology: Norwegian troll & Danish trold, from Old Norse troll giant, demon; probably akin to Middle High German trolle lout
Date: 1616
: a dwarf or giant in Scandinavian folklore inhabiting caves or hills