wisp

Wisp, n. Etym: [OE. wisp, wips; probably akin to D. & G. wisch, Icel. visk, and perhaps to L. virga a twig, rod. Cf. Verge a rod, Whisk, n.] 1. A small bundle, as of straw or other like substance. In a small basket, on a wisp of hay. Dryden. 2. A whisk, or small broom. 3. A Will-o'-the-wisp; an ignis fatuus. The wisp that flickers where no foot can tread. Tennyson. Wisp, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Wisped; p. pr. & vb. n. Wisping.] 1. To brush or dress, an with a wisp. 2. To rumple. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

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