See Also: wilful(dictionary)
wilful(dictionary)

pourcuttle (iou) and wilful (iou)


pourcuttle (iou)



pourcuttle noun.L16-M18.
[Origin of 1st elem. unkn.; 2nd prob. CUTTLE noun1.]
An octopus.

wilful (iou)



wilful adjective, adverb, & noun. Also *willful. ME.
[from WILL noun1 + -FUL. Earlier in WILFULLY adverb.]
A. adjective.
Asserting or disposed to assert one's own will contrary to persuasion, instruction, or command; headstrong; obstinate; determined to have one's own way. ME.
H. Chapone The smallest disappointment..will put wilful young people out of temper. E. O'Brien Allowing the car, like a wilful animal, to pursue its own course.
b. Resolute; firm in resolve. rare. ME-M17.
Having the will to do something; wishful, desirous. ME-L16.
Of an action etc.: done on purpose; deliberate, intentional. ME.
S. Townsend He has been suspended..pending an enquiry into his wilful neglect and cruelty to a rubber plant. W. Geldart A Marriage is..voidable..because of one party's wilful refusal to consummate it.
Willing; ready to comply with a request, desire, or requirement. LME-L16.
Done or undergone of one's own free will; voluntary. LME-L17.
S. Purchas He there died..through his wilfull want of bread and water.
B. adverb. Wilfully. ME-E17.
C. noun. A wilful person; rare a wilful act. E19.
wilfulness noun (a) the quality or character of being wilful; (b) rare an instance of this, a wilful act: ME.