nill Meaning, Definition & Usage

Nill transitive verb

Etymology

AS. nilan, nyllan; ne not + willan to will. See No, and Will.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Nilled ; present participle & verbal noun Nilling

Definitions

1. Not to will; to refuse; to reject. Obs.

   Certes, said he, I nill thine offered grace. Spenser.

Nill intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To be unwilling; to refuse to act.

   The actions of the will are "velle" and "nolle," to will and nill. Burton.

   contracted to willy-nilly

Nill noun

Etymology

Cf. Ir. & Gael. neul star, light. Cf. Nebula.

Definitions

1. Shining sparks thrown off from melted brass.
2. Scales of hot iron from the forge. Knight.