English Explanatory Dictionary

Jellyby

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A philanthropist who cares only for people in distant regions, or people away from their own household.

Word forms

Jellyby Jellybys Jellybies Mrs. Jellyby

Etymology

After the character of Mrs Jellyby in Charles Dickens' novel Bleak House (1852), who busies herself with charity work for Africa while her own household goes to ruin.

Related words

Afghanistanism
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