Definition of: trolley

(trol′ē) noun plural ·leys
1. A grooved metal wheel for rolling in contact with an electric conductor (the trolley wire), to convey the current to an electric vehicle.
2. In a sub-way system, a bow or shoe adapted to the same purpose attached to a current–taker operating through a slot in the track: also trolley wheel.
3. A car or system so operated.
4. A small truck or car for conveying material, as in a factory, mine, etc.: also spelled trawley.
5. A small cart for serving food and drink: tea trolley.
6. Brit. Dial. A small hand or donkey cart.
7. A parcels carrier.
8. The mechanism of a traveling crane.
9. A small car running on tracks and worked by a lever operated by hand: used by workmen on a railway.
—v.t. & v.i. To convey or travel by trolley. Also spelled trolly. [<TROLL¹]