Hi*lar"i*ty (?; 277), n. [L. hilaritas: cf. F. hilarité. See Hilarious.] Boisterous mirth; merriment; jollity. Goldsmith.

&fist; Hilarity differs from joy: the latter, excited by good news or prosperity, is an affection of the mind; the former, produced by social pleasure, drinking, etc., which rouse the animal spirits, is more demonstrative.

Syn. -- Glee; cheerfulness; mirth; merriment; gayety; joyousness; exhilaration; joviality; jollity.

• a great amount of happiness, usually accompanied by laughter