First Known Use: circa 1661
Dictionary
will–o'–the–wisp
noun \ˌwil-ə-thə-ˈwisp\
: a goal that cannot be reached
: a light that sometimes appears at night over wet ground
Full Definition of WILL-O'-THE-WISP
1
: ignis fatuus 1
2
: a delusive or elusive goal
— will–o'–the–wisp adjective
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Origin of WILL-O'-THE-WISP
Will (nickname for William) + of + the + wisp
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