Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WILL, v.t. [Sax. willan; Goth. wilyan; D. willen; G. wollen; Sw. vilja; Dan. ville; L. volo, velle; Gr. βουλομαι; Fr. vouloir; It. volere. The sense is to set, or to set forward, to stretch forward. The sense is well expressed by the L. propono.]

1. To determine; to decide in the mind that something shall be done or forborne, implying power to carry the purpose into effect. In this manner God wills whatever comes to pass. So in the style of princes: "we will that execution be done." A man that sits still is said to be at liberty, because he can walk if he wills it. – Locke.
2. To command; to direct. 'Tis yours, O queen I to will / The work which duty bids me to fulfill. – Dryden.
3. To be inclined or resolved to have. There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife? – Shak.
4. To wish; to desire. What will you?
5. To dispose of estate and effects by testament.
6. It is sometimes equivalent to may be. Let the circumstances be what they will; that is, any circumstances, of whatever nature.
7. Will is used as an auxiliary verb, and a sign of the future tense. When an auxiliary verb, the past tense is would. It has different significations in different persons. #1. I will go, is a present promise to go; and with an emphasis on will, it expresses determination. #2. Thou wilt go, you will go, express foretelling; simply stating an event that is to come. #3. He will go, is also a foretelling. The use of will in plural is the same. We will, promises; ye will, they will foretell.