Abbreviated pet-form of the Christian name William (cf. Piers Plowman, B. xiv. 148, Shaks., Sonn., cxxxvi. etc.). b. dial. = WILL-O-THE-WISP.
a. 1718. Parnell, Fairy Tale, 157. Will, who bears the wispy fire To trail the swains among the mire.
1750. Collins, Ode Superstit. Highlands, 91. Let not dank Will mislead you to the heath.
1888. Fenn, Dick o the Fens, viii. You may go right into the bog and be smothered, and thats what the wills like.