will-o'-the-wisp
|will-o'-the-wisp|
/ˌwɪl ə ðə ˈwɪsp/
elusive light
Etymology
'will-o'-the-wisp' originates from the English phrase 'Will of the wisp,' where 'Will' is a name and 'wisp' refers to a bundle of twigs or paper used as a torch.
'Will of the wisp' transformed into 'will-o'-the-wisp' in modern English, maintaining its reference to the elusive light.
Initially, it referred to a literal light seen in marshes, but over time it evolved to also mean something elusive or misleading.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a phosphorescent light seen at night, especially over marshy ground, thought to be caused by the combustion of gases emitted by decaying organic matter.
The travelers were led astray by a will-o'-the-wisp in the marsh.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/25 05:21