toy

n. [ D. tuid tools, implements, stuff, trash, speeltuig playthings, toys; akin to G. zeug stuff, materials, MNG. ziuc, Icel. tygi gear; all ultimately from the root of E. tug, v. t.; cf. G. zeugen to beget, MHG. ziugen to beget, make ready, procure. See Tug, v. t. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A plaything for children; a bawble. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A thing for amusement, but of no real value; an article of trade of little value; a trifle. [ 1913 Webster ]

They exchange for knives, glasses, and such toys, great abundance of gold and pearl. Abr. Abbot. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A wild fancy; an odd conceit; idle sport; folly; trifling opinion. [ 1913 Webster ]

To fly about playing their wanton toys. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

What if a toy take 'em in the heels now, and they all run away. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor light and idle toys my lines may vainly swell. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Amorous dalliance; play; sport; pastime. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

To dally thus with death is no fit toy. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. An old story; a silly tale. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. [ Probably the same word. ] A headdress of linen or woolen, that hangs down over the shoulders, worn by old women of the lower classes; -- called also toy mutch. [ Scot. ] “Having, moreover, put on her clean toy, rokelay, and scarlet plaid.” Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]