ignis fatuus

[ ig-nis fach-oo-uhs ]

noun

, plural ig·nes fat·u·i [ig, -neez , fach, -oo-ahy].

1. Also called friar's lantern, will-o'-the-wisp. a flitting phosphorescent light seen at night, chiefly over marshy ground, and believed to be due to spontaneous combustion of gas from decomposed organic matter.
2. something deluding or misleading.

ignis fatuus

/ ˈɪɡnɪs ˈfætjʊəs /

noun

1. another name for will-o'-the-wisp

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignis fatuus¹

1555–65; < Medieval Latin: literally, foolish fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignis fatuus¹

C16: from Medieval Latin, literally: foolish fire

Example Sentences

This was doubtless a true ignis fatuus, and the circumstances necessary to produce it were then present, viz.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus far the Hofrath; who vanishes, as is his wont, too like an Ignis Fatuus, leaving the dark still darker.

From Project Gutenberg

Still the ignis fatuus of a shorter route to India tantalized the early navigators.

From Project Gutenberg

He had not been imposed upon by his fancy; he had not been deceived by some ignis fatuus.

From Project Gutenberg

It is, in truth, a shadow as intangible as our own; an ignis fatuus of our being.

From Project Gutenberg