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View synonyms for
will-o'-the-wisp
[ wil-uh-thuh-wisp ]
will-o'-the-wisp
/ ˌɪəðəˈɪ /
noun
- Also calledfriar's lanternignis fatuusjack-o'-lantern a pale flame or phosphorescence sometimes seen over marshy ground at night. It is believed to be due to the spontaneous combustion of methane or other hydrocarbons originating from decomposing organic matter
- a person or thing that is elusive or allures and misleads
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Derived Forms
- ˌɾ--ٳ-ˈɾ辱, adjective
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Other 51Թ Forms
- ɾo-ٳ-ɾi especially British, ɾo-ٳ-ɾy adjective
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51Թ History and Origins
Origin of will-o'-the-wisp1
1600–10; originally Will (i.e., William) with the wisp; wisp
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51Թ History and Origins
Origin of will-o'-the-wisp1
C17: originally Will with the wisp, from Will short for William and wisp in former sense of a twist of hay or straw burning as a torch
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