will-o'-the-wisp

[ wil-uh-thuh-wisp ]

noun

1. ignis fatuus ( def 1 ).
2. anything that deludes or misleads by luring on.

will-o'-the-wisp

/ ˌwɪləðəˈwɪsp /

noun

1. 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
2. a person or thing that is elusive or allures and misleads

Derived Forms

• ˌwill-o'-the-ˈwispish, adjective

Other Words From

• willo'-the-wispish especially British, willo'-the-wispy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of will-o'-the-wisp¹

1600–10; originally Will (i.e., William) with the wisp; wisp

Word 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