toy´like´

toy «toy», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. something for a child to play with; plaything. Dolls are toys; so are small wagons, colored rubber balls, and wooden building blocks.

2. Figurative. a thing that has little value or importance: »

a toy, a thing of no regard (Shakespeare). Love and all his pleasures are but toys (Thomas Campion).

SYNONYM(S): trifle, knickknack, trinket.

3. any small thing, especially any of certain breeds of very small animals. There are toy dogs and toy pigeons.

4. Scottish. a close-fitting cap of linen or wool, with flaps coming down to the shoulders, formerly worn by lower-class women.

5. Obsolete. a) amorous sport; dalliance. b) a light caress.

6. Obsolete. an antic; trick.

–adj.

1. of, made as, or like a toy: »

The boy ran a toy car along the floor.

2. small; miniature in size: »

a toy poodle.

–v.i.

to amuse oneself; play; trifle: »

She toyed with her beads. Don't toy with matches.

╂[Middle English toye playing, sport; origin uncertain]

–toy´like´, adjective.