colly

[ kol-ee ]

verb (used with object)

, col·lied, col·ly·ing.

1. to blacken as with coal dust; begrime.

noun

1. grime; soot.

colly

/ ˈkɒlɪ /

noun

1. soot or grime, such as coal dust

verb

1. tr to begrime; besmirch

Word History and Origins

Origin of colly¹

1555–65; variant of collow (v.), Middle English colwen, derivative of Old English col coal; -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of colly¹

C16: ultimately from Old English col coal

Example Sentences

Thin ye will 'ave done no more than Master Colly, who has already robbed 'im ov twa—the haffections ov 'is wife an' bairn.

From Project Gutenberg

In another, a colly dog jumped over a coffin which a funeral party had set on the ground while they rested.

From Project Gutenberg

I'll take your old clothes, Colly, sooner than disgrace you by talking to you in the street in my own; but I wont borrow money.

From Project Gutenberg

The kitchen was empty, and silent too, except for the tick of the clock and the colly's labored breathing.

From Project Gutenberg

With a great burst of bleating they dashed off, the colly running after them.

From Project Gutenberg