- OE. laughenlaghenlauhen, AS. hlehhanhlihhanhlyhhanhliehhan; akin to OS. hlahan, D. & G. lachen, OHG. hlahhanlahhanlahhēn, Icel. hlæja,W Dan. lee, Sw. le, Goth. hlahjan; perh. of imitative origin
- To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in laughter.Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes ran o'er.He laugheth that winneth.
- Fig.: To be or appear gay, cheerful, pleasant, mirthful, lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport.Then laughs the childish year, with flowerets crowned.In Folly's cup still laughs the bubble Joy.
