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”; see origin at whole, bolus

Example Sentences

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

From Spinifex and Sand by Carnegie, David Wynford

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

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

With these words, she appeared to lose all command over herself; and, making a sudden snatch at the heap of silver, put it back, holus-bolus, in her pocket.

From The Moonstone by Collins, Wilkie

Each train was unloaded as it arrived and its contents thrown holus-bolus into one of the holds, except for the wheeled vehicles.

From The Fife and Forfar Yeomanry and 14th (F. & F. Yeo.) Battn. R.H. 1914-1919 by Ogilvie, David Douglas