v.aux. & tr. (3rd sing. present will; past would) (foll. by infin. without to, or absol.; present and past only in use) 1 (in the 2nd and 3rd persons, and often in the 1st: see SHALL) expressing the future tense in statements, commands, or questions (you will regret this; they will leave at once; will you go to the party?). 2 (in the 1st person) expressing a wish or intention (I will return soon). °For the other persons in senses 1, 2, see SHALL. 3 expressing desire, consent, or inclination (will you have a sandwich?; come when you will; the door will not open). 4 expressing ability or capacity (the jar will hold a kilo). 5 expressing habitual or inevitable tendency (accidents will happen; will sit there for hours). 6 expressing probability or expectation (that will be my wife). will do colloq. expressing willingness to carry out a request.
[ OE wyllan, (unrecorded) willan f. Gmc: rel. to L volo ]