Present participle of 'doll': the act of dressing up, adorning, or making someone or something look pretty or doll-like.
From 'doll' as a verb plus the present participle suffix '-ing.' The verb 'doll' likely derives from the noun, suggesting the idea of making something as attractive or perfect as a doll.
The phrase 'dolling yourself up' has been used since the early 1900s and perfectly captures how we sometimes perform attractiveness like we're decorating a doll—making a conscious choice about our presentation.
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