Abbreviated pet-form of the Christian name William (cf. Piers Plowman, B. xiv. 148, Shaks., Sonn., cxxxvi. etc.). b. dial. = WILL-O’-THE-WISP.

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a. 1718.  Parnell, Fairy Tale, 157. Will, who bears the wispy fire To trail the swains among the mire.

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1750.  Collins, Ode Superstit. Highlands, 91. Let not dank Will mislead you to the heath.

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1888.  Fenn, Dick o’ the Fens, viii. You may go right into the bog and be smothered, and that’s what the wills like.

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