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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.

80 words match “SILLY”

In a silly manner; foolishly. Dryden.

The quality or state of being silly.

SIMPER v. 2 definitions

To smile in a silly, affected, or conceited manner. Behold yond simpering dame. Shak. With a made countenance about her mouth, between simpering and smiling. ir. P. Sidney.

ect; not wise or sagacious; of but moderate understanding or attainments; hence, foolish; silly. "You have simple wits." Shak. The simple believeth every word; but the prudent man looketh well to his going. Prov. xiv. 15.

A person of weak intellect; a silly person.

Simple; not wise; weak; silly. [Obs.] He utters such single matter in so infantly a voice. Beau & Fl. Single ale, beer, or drink, small ale, etc., as contrasted with double ale, etc., which is stronger. [Obs.] Nares. -- Single bill (Law), a written engagement, generally under seal, for the payment of money, without a…

Foolish; silly; weak in intellect. Hudibras.

A fit of immoderate laughter or merriment. [Obs.] Thy silly thought enforces my spleen. Shak.

A weak-minded or silly person; one who is foolishly fond. [Colloq.] There is no doubt, whatever, that I was a lackadaisical young spooney. Dickens.

foolish; to make a fool of; as, to stultify one by imposition; to stultify one's self by silly reasoning or conduct. Burke.

STULTILOQUENCE n.

Silly talk; babbling.

STULTILOQUENT a.

Given to, or characterized by, silly talk; babbling. -- Stul*til"o*quent*ly, adv.

Foolish talk; silly discource; babbling. Jer. Taylor.

Foolish; silly. [Obs.] Testament of Love.

A clown; a country bumpkin. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] "Country swains, and silly swads." Greene. There was one busy fellow was their leader, A blunt, squat swad, but lower than yourself. B. Jonson.

An old story; a silly tale. Shak.

TWADDLE v. 2 definitions

To talk a weak and silly manner, like one whose faculties are decayed; to prate; to prattle. Stanyhurst.

One who prates in a weak and silly manner, like one whose faculties are decayed.

Weak in intellect; half-witted; silly. [R.] Bp. Kennet.

Not blessed or happy; wretched; unfortunate. [Written also unsilly.] [Obs.] Chaucer. -- Un*se"li*ness, n. [Obs.] Chaucer.