will-o-the-wisp

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will-o'-the-wisp

will-o'-the-wisp phenomenon known also as ignis fatuus and jack-o'-lantern. It is seen at night as a pale, flickering light over marshland. There is no generally accepted explanation for it; it may result from the spontaneous ignition of gases (e.g., methane) produced by the disintegration of dead plant or animal matter, or it may be a form of phosphorescence. The eerie lights have given rise to many superstitions.

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"will-o'-the-wisp." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 19 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"will-o'-the-wisp." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (December 19, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-willowis.html

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will o the wisp

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

will o' the wisp phosphorescent light on marshy ground. XVII. The earliest form is Will with the or a wisp, i.e. Will (pet form of William) and WISP in the sense ‘bundle of hay, etc., for use as a torch’.

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T. F. HOAD. "will o' the wisp." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 19 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "will o' the wisp." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (December 19, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-willothewisp.html

T. F. HOAD. "will o' the wisp." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved December 19, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-willothewisp.html

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will-o-the-wisp

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

will-o'-the-wisp (jack-o'-lantern) Mysterious light sometimes seen at night in marshy areas. It is thought to be due to the spontaneous combustion of marsh gas (methane).

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	Evertek Invited to Speak at FCC Rural WISP Showcase; Panel Discussion to Include Virtual Tour of Expedience Rural BWA Deployments. Business Wire; 9/17/2003
	Wisps of hope from clouds of dissent.(celibacy for priests)(Editorial) Magazine article from: National Catholic Reporter; 7/14/1995
	Indian cemetery lore just a will-o'-the-wisp; English were buried in abandoned plot. Newspaper article from: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MA); 5/7/2009

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