Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
willet [wil-it] ExamplesWord Origin noun, plural wil·lets, (especially collectively) wil·let.
- a large, eastern North American shorebird, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus, having a striking black and white wing pattern.
Origin of willet 1700–10, Americanism; short for pill-will-willet, conventional imitative of its cry Examples from the Web for willet Historical Examples of willet
Mr Willet looked at him, and saw it was Hugh; but he said nothing, and thought nothing.
Charles Dickens
Everybody looked at Mr Willet, after this alarming suggestion.
Charles Dickens
It has been reported that Mr Willet, previously to making answer, winked.
Charles Dickens
“She is gone, Doctor Willet,” said the son, turning to greet the new-comer.
Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth
Up, and Willet come home in the morning, and, God forgive me!
Diary of Samuel Pepys, Complete
Samuel Pepys
British Dictionary definitions for willet willet noun
- a large American shore bird, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus, having a long stout bill, long legs, and a grey plumage with black-and-white wings: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes
Word Origin for willet short for pill-will-willet imitation of its cry