billy

bil-ly · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A male given name; a diminutive of William.

  2. 2.

    [Australian/New Zealand]A metal pot used for boiling water over a campfire.

  3. 3.

    A male goat (also *billy goat*).

Forms

plural: billies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    billy goat — A male goat.
  • •
    boil the billy — To make tea over a campfire (Australian).

Related words

See also: William, bill, billie

Etymology

As a name, from William. The Australian/New Zealand sense may derive from Scottish bally or Aboriginal billa (water).