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William

William¹ definition

Wil·liam (wil′yəm)

noun

a masculine name: dim. Bill, Billie, Billy, Liam, Will, Willie, Willy; equiv. Du. Willem, Fr. Guillaume, Ger. Wilhelm, It. Guglielmo, Sp. Guillermo

Etymology: NormFr Willaume < OHG Willehelm < willeo, will + helm, protection: see helm

William² definition

Wil·liam (wil′yəm)

1027?-87; duke of Normandy who invaded England & defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings: king of England (1066-87): called William the Conqueror
1533-84; prince of Orange (1544-84) & count of Nassau (1559-84): founder and 1st stadholder (1579-84) of the Netherlands republic: called William the Silent
1797-1888; king of Prussia (1861-88) & emperor of Germany (1871-88): son of Frederick William III
1056-1100; king of England (1087-1100): son of William the Conqueror: called William Rufus
1859-1941; emperor of Germany & king of Prussia (1888-1918): called Kaiser Wilhelm
1650-1702; king of England, Scotland, & Ireland (1689-1702): stadholder of the Netherlands (1672-1702)
1765-1837; king of Great Britain & Ireland (1830-37): son of George III