troll

I. verb Etymology: Middle English, probably from Anglo-French *troiller, *troller; akin to Anglo-French troil, trolle winch Date: 15th century transitive verb 1. to cause to move round and round ; roll 2. a. to sing the parts of (as a round or catch) in succession b. to sing loudly c. to celebrate in song 3. a. to fish for by trolling b. to fish by trolling in <

troll lakes

> c. to pull through the water in trolling <

troll a lure

> d. to search in or at <

trolls flea markets for bargains

>; also prowl <

troll nightclubs

> intransitive verb 1. to move around ; ramble 2. a. to fish by trailing a lure or baited hook from a moving boat b. search, look <

trolling for sponsors

>; also prowl 3. to sing or play in a jovial manner 4. to speak rapidly • troller noun II. noun Date: 1869 a lure or a line with its lure and hook used in trolling III. noun Etymology: Norwegian troll & Danish trold, from Old Norse troll giant, demon; probably akin to Middle High German trolle lout Date: 1616 a dwarf or giant in Scandinavian folklore inhabiting caves or hills