n. & v.
n. 1 the faculty by which a person decides or is regarded as deciding on and initiating action (the mind consists of the understanding and the will). 2 (also will-power) control exercised by deliberate purpose over impulse; self-control (has a strong will; overcame his shyness by will-power). 3 a deliberate or fixed desire or intention (a will to live). 4 energy of intention; the power of effecting one's intentions or dominating others. 5 directions (usu. written) in legal form for the disposition of one's property after death (make one's will). 6 disposition towards others (good will). 7 archaic what one desires or ordains (thy will be done).
v.tr. 1 have as the object of one's will; intend unconditionally (what God wills; willed that we should succeed). 2 (absol.) exercise will-power. 3 instigate or impel or compel by the exercise of will-power (you can will yourself into contentment). 4 bequeath by the terms of a will (shall will my money to charity). at will 1 whenever one pleases. 2 Law able to be evicted without notice (tenant at will). have one's will obtain what one wants. what is your will? what do you wish done? where there's a will there's a way determination will overcome any obstacle. a will of one's own obstinacy; wilfulness of character. with the best will in the world however good one's intentions. with a will energetically or resolutely. willed adj. (also in comb.). willer n. will-less adj.
[ OE willa f. Gmc ]