Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WISH, v.i. [Sax. wiscan; Cimbric, oska. In all the other Teutonic and Gothic dialects, the corresponding word is written with n; D. wenschen; G. wünschen; Dan. önsker; Sw. önska. This is probably the same word.]

1. To have a desire, or strong desire, either for what is or is not supposed to be obtainable. It usually expresses less than long; but sometimes it denotes to long or wish earnestly. We often wish for what is not obtainable. This is as good an argument as an antiquary could wish for. – Arbuthnot. They have more than heart could wish. – Ps. lxxiii. I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper. – 3 John 2. They cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. – Acts xxvii.
2. To be disposed or inclined; as, to wish well to another's affairs. – Addison.
3. It sometimes partakes of hope or fear. I wish the event may prove fortunate, or less calamitous than we apprehend.