Will-o'-the-wisp

The truth is, hobgoblins, from Puck to Will-o'-the-wisp, are apt to play practical jokes and knock people about whom they meet after sunset.

Tales from Many Sources Vol. V Various

He drove on slowly: something had sobered the Will-o'-the-wisp in Andy's brain, and all that was manly in him looked out, solemn and pitying.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 12, No. 74, December, 1863 Various

It is a cheat, a Will-o'-the-wisp; and any man who trusts it will meet with overthrow.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 100, February, 1866 Various

But if we mention those who have to exist with the owner of this fantastic Will-o'-the-wisp -- for he is as often absent as present -- this makes the whole thing a matter of speculation.

The Idler Magazine, Vol III. May 1893 An Illustrated Monthly Various

"I'm only a poor Will-o'-the-wisp," replied the voice, "and you know very well that I have but a lantern to show."

Mopsa the Fairy 1910

Any notion of a permanent or standing alliance with Germany against Russia was, in short, a Will-o'-the-wisp.

The Life of the Rt. Hon. Sir Charles W. Dilke, Volume 2 Stephen Lucius Gwynn 1907

Will-o'-the-wisp of a fancy because he was not less, but more, than other young men.

The Folly Of Eustace 1896 Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

Will-o'-the-wisp lights bespecked the sea, surrounding the black hulk that lay motionless in the center of the circle.

West Wind Drift George Barr McCutcheon 1897

In support of this view, he dwelt upon the confessions of tortured witches, upon the acknowledged agency of demons in the Will-o'-the-wisp, and specially upon the passage in the one hundred and fourth Psalm, "Who maketh his angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire."

A History of the warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom 1896

It is small wonder, then, that most teachers prefer to dispense with this Will-o'-the-wisp grant altogether, seeing that the efforts of some to earn it have resulted in pecuniary loss.

The Transvaal from Within A Private Record of Public Affairs 1896