tɔɪ n. & v. --n. 1 a a
plaything,
esp.
for a
child. b (often attrib.) a
model or
miniature replica of a
thing, esp. as a plaything (toy gun). 2 a a thing, esp. a
gadget or
instrument, regarded as
providing amusement or
pleasure. b a
task or
undertaking regarded in an unserious
way. 3 (usu. attrib.) a
diminutive breed or
variety of
dog etc. --v.intr. (usu. foll. by with) 1
trifle,
amuse oneself, esp.
with a person's affections;
flirt (toyed with
the idea of
going to Africa). 2 a
move a
material object idly (toyed with
her necklace). b
nibble at
food etc. unenthusiastically (toyed with a peach). øtoy-box a usu.
wooden box for
keeping toys
in. toy
boy colloq. a woman's
much younger
male lover. toy
soldier 1 a miniature
figure of a soldier. 2 sl. a soldier in a
peacetime army. [16th
c.: earlier = dallying,
fun,
jest,
whim, trifle: orig. unkn.]