n. & int.
--n.
1. a male child or youth.
2 a young man, esp. regarded as not yet mature.
3 a male servant, attendant, etc.
4 (the boys) colloq. a group of men mixing socially.
--int. expressing pleasure, surprise, etc.
Phrases and idioms:
boy scout SCOUT(1) 4. boys in blue Brit. policemen.
Derivatives:
boyhood n. boyish adj. boyishly adv. boyishness n.
Etymology: ME servant, perh. ult. f. L boia fetter