(?), n. [OE. wille, AS. willa; akin to OFries. willa, OS. willeo, willio, D. wil, G. wille, Icel. vili, Dan. villie, Sw. vilja, Goth wilja. See Will, v.]
[1913 Webster]
1.
The power of choosing; the faculty or endowment of the soul by which it is capable of choosing; the faculty or power of the mind by which we decide to do or not to do; the power or faculty of preferring or selecting one of two or more objects.
[1913 Webster]
-It is necessary to form a distinct notion of what is meant by the word volition in order to understand the import of the word will, for this last word expresses the power of mind of which volition is the act. Stewart.
[1913 Webster]
-Will is an ambiguous word, being sometimes put for the faculty of willing; sometimes for the act of that faculty, besides [having] other meanings. But volition always signifies the act of willing, and nothing else. Reid.
[1913 Webster]
-Appetite is the will's solicitor, and the will is appetite's controller; what we covet according to the one, by the other we often reject. Hooker.
[1913 Webster]
-The will is plainly that by which the mind chooses anything. J. Edwards.
[1913 Webster]
2.
The choice which is made; a determination or preference which results from the act or exercise of the power of choice; a volition.
[1913 Webster]
-The word will, however, is not always used in this its proper acceptation, but is frequently substituted for volition, as when I say that my hand mover in obedience to my will. Stewart.
[1913 Webster]
3.
The choice or determination of one who has authority; a decree; a command; discretionary pleasure.
[1913 Webster]
-Thy will be done. Matt. vi. 10.
[1913 Webster]
-Our prayers should be according to the will of God. Law.
[1913 Webster]
4.
Strong wish or inclination; desire; purpose.
[1913 Webster]
:
