dolefuls

Archbishop of Dublin, a chancellor of an university, an historiographer, or astronomer-royal -- _which_ would be most cared for by society at large, or to which would the public journals distribute the larger share of their dolefuls?

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 55, No. 341, March, 1844 Various

Oh! don't look so serious, Amos; you are always in the dolefuls now.

Amos Huntingdon T.P. Wilson

It would never do to be in the dolefuls over Christmas!

About Peggy Saville George de Horne Vaizey 1887

When my first-cousin-once-removed, Rupert, was twelve years old, his mother died, and he was in the dolefuls about it for more than a year.

The Lady of the Shroud Bram Stoker 1879

"Come! come! don't be getting into the dolefuls already," cried Zack, administering an exhilarating thump on the back to his friend.

Hide and Seek Wilkie Collins 1856

Victims of the boo-hoos (1830s) or the dolefuls (1820s), if they were not wholly picklepussed, could brighten their own nights by sharing such sprightly blends as solemncholy

VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol VII No 1 1980

"We are all now in dolefuls for the Princess Dowager; but as there was no necessity for our being dressed or weeping mourners, we were easily provided.

Memoirs of the Life of the Rt. Hon. Richard Brinsley Sheridan — Volume 01 Thomas Moore 1815