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will-o’-the-wisp

will-o'-the-wisp [ wìllə ə wísp ] (plural will-o'-the-wisps)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. light from burning marsh gas: a phosphorescent light sometimes seen at night over marshy ground, caused by the spontaneous combustion of gases given off by rotting organic matter

2. somebody or something elusive: somebody or something that is misleading or elusive, e.g. a false hope

[< Will, shortening of the first name William, + of + the + wisp]
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