I. ˈdrōl adjective
( usually -er/-est )
Etymology: French drôle, from drôle scamp, rascal, from Middle French drolle, from Middle Dutch, imp, elf, sprite
: causing or capable of causing mirth or amusement by funny, whimsical, or odd speech or conduct
a droll little man
: having a humorous, whimsical, or odd character
says things so droll I can't answer him for laughing — Kenneth Roberts
a book of droll stories for the invalid
Synonyms: see laughable
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: French drôle
1.
a. : one that habitually amuses or diverts by droll speech or behavior : wag , jester
played the droll with his quips and sallies
b. : an actor in comedy
an out-of-work comedian, an old droll of the halls — May L. Becker
2.
a. : a short dramatic composition or stage presentation of a comic or farcical character : burlesque
incipient circuses, drolls, and puppet shows all had a share in clearing the way for the stage in New England — Katharine L. Bates
also : puppet show
b. : a farcical folktale — compare fabliau
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
intransitive verb
1. archaic : to jest or sport : make fun — often used with on, upon or at
drolling a little upon the corporal — Laurence Sterne
2. : to speak monotonously : drone
drolls on plaintively about the Last Rose of Summer — Belfast (Ireland) Telegraph
transitive verb
archaic : to decline or put away in a jesting manner : influence (a person) toward or away from some action or opinion by jesting or raillery