n. A mode of expressing mirth, consisting chiefly in certain convulsive and partly involuntary actions of the muscles of respiration, by means of which, after an inspiration, the expulsion of the air from the chest in a series of jerks produces a succession of short abrupt sounds, accompanied by certain movements of the muscles of the face, and often of other parts of the body, and, when excessive, by tears: also sometimes applied to any expression of merriment perceivable in the countenance.n. A laugh.