The Collaborative International Dictionary
Toy \Toy\ (toi), 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.]
A plaything for children; a bawble.
--Cowper.-
A thing for amusement, but of no real value; an article of trade of little value; a trifle.
They exchange for knives, glasses, and such toys, great abundance of gold and pearl.
--Abr. Abbot. -
A wild fancy; an odd conceit; idle sport; folly; trifling opinion.
To fly about playing their wanton toys.
--Spenser.What if a toy take 'em in the heels now, and they all run away.
--Beau. & Fl.Nor light and idle toys my lines may vainly swell.
--Drayton. -
Amorous dalliance; play; sport; pastime.
--Milton.To dally thus with death is no fit toy.
--Spenser. An old story; a silly tale.
--Shak.[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.