From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of roly–poly
reduplication of roly, from 2roll
2
roly–poly
noun
ro·ly–po·ly
Definition of roly–poly
roly–polies
1 : a roly-poly person or thing
2 British : a sweet dough spread with a filling, rolled, and baked or steamed —called also roly-poly pudding
First Known Use of roly–poly
1836
ROLY–POLY Defined for English Language Learners
roly-poly
noun
Definition of roly–poly for English Language Learners
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: a sweet dough that is spread with jam, rolled up, and baked or steamed
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