holus-bolus

American  

[hoh-luhs-boh-luhs] / ˈhoʊ ləsˈboʊ ləs /

adverb

1. all at once; altogether.

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holus-bolus British  

/ ˈhəʊləsˈbəʊləs /

adverb

1. informal all at once

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Etymology

Origin of holus-bolus

First recorded in 1840–50; mock-Latin rhyming compound based on the phrase whole bolus, or possibly a Latinization of Greek hólos bôlos “whole lump, clod of earth, nugget”; whole, bolus

Example Sentences

I went downstairs, and I took Mrs. Betteredge—affectionately, you understand—up in my arms, and carried her, holus-bolus, into the best parlour where she received her company.

From The Moonstone by Collins, Wilkie

They had just killed the animal, and were roasting it whole, holus-bolus, unskinned and undressed.

From Spinifex and Sand by Carnegie, David Wynford

Having imported their whole constitution and law books holus-bolus from England, each colony has been engaged ever since its foundation in fitting them to its circumstances.

From Town Life in Australia by Twopeny, Richard Ernest Nowell

There was a first-class carr'ge door opin right forninst me, an' into that the gyard crams me holus-bolus.

From Martin Hewitt, Investigator by Morrison, Arthur

I'll take it on my shoulders, holus-bolus, blame and shame, my boy; but stay here, I cannot let you.

From Treasure Island by Winter, Milo