Will-o-the-wisp definition

wĭlə-thə-wĭsp

Any hope or goal that leads one on but is impossible to reach.

noun

(idiomatic) A delusional or otherwise unobtainable goal that one feels compelled to pursue.

noun

A delusive or misleading hope.

noun

noun

Alternative spelling of will o' the wisp.

noun

(idiomatic, British folklore) A strange light that attracts travellers from pathways into dangerous marshes or graveyards.

noun

Alternative Forms

Alternative Form of will-o-the-wisp - will-o-wisp, will-of-the-wisp

Singular:

will-o-the-wisp

Plural:

will-o-the-wisps

From Will nickname for William

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
from Will (“male given name”) + of the + wisp (“bundle of straw or hay used as a torch”)

From Wiktionary