Hi*lar"i*ty [L. hilaritas: cf. F. hilarit'e. See Hilarious.]

Boisterous mirth; merriment; jollity.

Goldsmith.

Hilarity differs from joy: the latter, excited by good news or prosperity, is an affection of the mind; the former, produced by social pleasure, drinking, etc., which rouse the animal spirits, is more demonstrative.

Syn. -- Glee; cheerfulness; mirth; merriment; gayety; joyousness; exhilaration; joviality; jollity.

 

© Webster 1913.

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