jolly boat

a light boat carried at the stern of a sailing vessel.

a small pleasure sailboat for use in sheltered waters.

Origin of jolly boat

1720–30; jolly < Danish jolle yawl¹

jollities, jollity, jollop, jolly, jolly balance, jolly boat, jolly jumper, jolly roger, jolo, jolson, jolt

Now, nothing could be more economical than this; for we are a large party, and with luggage enough to fill a ship's jolly-boat.

The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. II.(of II) |Charles James Lever
By six bells in the forenoon watch, too, the jolly-boat had also been lowered into the water safely.

The Wreck of the Nancy Bell |J. C. Hutcheson
The jolly-boat had already been stored with provisions, water, and a number of calivers with their ammunition.

With Drake on the Spanish Main |Herbert Strang
Of these there were two, the cutter and the jolly-boat, and the ladies were placed in the former.

Cornish Characters |S. Baring-Gould

As soon as the boats are unloaded, they are to return, unless Mr Mudge thinks it necessary to detain the jolly-boat.

Twice Lost |W.H.G. Kingston

jolly boat

a small boat used as a utility tender for a vessel

a small sailing boat used for pleasure

C18: jolly probably from Danish jolle yawl 1