1841, Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop, ch. 18:The Jolly Sandboys was a small road-side inn of pretty ancient date, with a sign, representing three Sandboys increasing their jollity with as many jugs of ale and bags of gold.
2006, Rupert Cornwell, "You'd think it was the Thirties all over again," Independent (UK), 4 Sept. (retrieved 21 Sept. 2009):Across the US, candidates traditionally attend rallies, barbecues and similar jollities in their states and districts.
(countable) Things, remarks, or characteristics which are enjoyable.
1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, ch. 11:Add to this picture a jolly, crackling, rollicking fire, going rejoicingly up a great wide chimney,—the outer door and every window being set wide open, and the calico window-curtain flopping and snapping in a good stiff breeze of damp raw air,—and you have an idea of the jollities of a Kentucky tavern.
