Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun See doily.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun a small round piece of linen place under a dish or bowl; same as doily.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Alternative spelling of doily.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a small round piece of linen placed under a dish or bowl

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word doyley.

Examples

  • When the fruit napkin is brought he takes it from the glass plate on which it is laid, and either places it at his right hand or across his knee, and the "illuminated rag," as some wit called the little embroidered doyley, which is not meant for use, is, after having been examined and admired, laid on the table, beside the finger-bowl.

    Manners and Social Usages Mrs. John M. E. W. Sherwood

  • Bloom bent leopold ear, turning a fringe of doyley down under the vase.

    Ulysses 2003

  • Embroidered with quaint designs, these little three-inch things are very ornamental; but the real and serviceable doyley should not be forgotten, and may be laid either beside or over the top of the finger-bowl.

    Manners and Social Usages Mrs. John M. E. W. Sherwood

  • Serve in individual saucers with a small doyley under.

    My Pet Recipes, Tried and True Contributed by the Ladies and Friends of St. Andrew's Church, Quebec Various

  • Each person at once removes the bowl and doyley to make ready for whatever is to be put on the plate.

    Etiquette Agnes H. Morton

  • “Some rather doubtful sandwiches,” said Barney, unwrapping them from the lace paper doyley off a plate.

    Death of Jezebel Brand, Christianna, 1907-1988 1948

  • How _can_ a legal contract be like a doyley on the back of a chair?

    Dangerous Ages Rose Macaulay 1919

  • She was carrying very carefully a little tray covered with a snow-white doyley, and on it were a glass of milk and a plate of mulberries.

    Seven Little Australians Ethel Sybil Turner 1915

  • Bloom bent leopold ear, turning a fringe of doyley down under the vase.

    Ulysses James Joyce 1911

  • I will not discuss the word in its Africanese dialect; but I take the noble red man — whose totem is his household god; and in this sense, in this connection, let the doyley be revered, as your husband would say, totus atque rotundus.

    My day : reminiscences of a long life, 1909

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.