well

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well1 spring of water, pit dug to obtain a supply of spring water OE.; various transf. senses from XVII. OE. (Angl.) wella, wælla, *well(e), (WS.) *wiella, late will(a), wyll(a), wylle, corr. to OHG. wella (G. welle) wave, ON. vella boiling heat, ebullition, f. Gmc. *wall-; see WELL2.

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