n. [ L. hilaritas: cf. F. hilarité. See Hilarious. ] Boisterous mirth; merriment; jollity. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ 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.