williwaw

williwaw [wil-ee-waw] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. a violent squall that blows in near-polar latitudes, as in the Strait of Magellan, Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands.

Origin of williwaw First recorded in 1835–45; origin uncertain Examples from the Web for williwaw Historical Examples of williwaw

On the afternoon of the tenth day on the island the sky clouded up and Mr. Gibney predicted a williwaw.

Captain Scraggs

Peter B. Kyne

A williwaw began in the hills ahead and swept out and set the ship to reeling crazily in its erratic currents.

Astounding Stories of Super-Science, August 1930

Various

British Dictionary definitions for williwaw williwaw noun US and Canadian

1. a sudden strong gust of cold wind blowing offshore from a mountainous coast, as in the Strait of Magellan
2. a state of great turmoil

Word Origin for williwaw C19: of unknown origin