Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2004

"Dan"  wrote > Does anyone know where the expression 'I am feeling doely'
came from?

Perhaps the word is "doleful" ?

AOT

I would say the word sounds as though someone meant to say "lowly", as a
version of "low". . .blue or sad, or even maybe ill.

Another  explanation might be an error in word formation or possibly a
regional usage:  doleful=doley.  Meaning sad, low, blue.