Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • Ill-disposed; ill-natured; malicious.
  • Grudging; niggardly: as, an ill-willy wife.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • Little wats the ill-willy wife what a dinner may haud in.

    The Proverbs of Scotland Alexander Hislop 1836

  • Although a wife be very angry and "ill-willy" with her husband in private, still in public she should be cautious for obvious reasons, one of which is, Kelly says, "That a handsome treat may secure good friends and great interest."

    The Proverbs of Scotland Alexander Hislop 1836

  • Mony a time, when I hae come hame ower late, and faund the West-Port steekit, and the waiter ill-willy, I have garr'd the sexton of Saint

    The Fortunes of Nigel Walter Scott 1801

  • Mony a time, when I hae come hame ower late, and faund the West – Port steekit, and the waiter ill-willy, I have garr’d the sexton of Saint Cuthbert’s calf-ward serve me for my quarters.

    The Fortunes of Nigel 2004

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