(a) The mental act or action of wishing; the expression of a desire; also, passionate yearning or longing [quot. 1440]; at (with) ~, by the mere act of (someone’s) wishing, at (someone’s) will; (b) unsatisfied desire for something, unfulfilled longing; also, an unfulfilled desire for something; an unrealized intention [1st quot.]; (c) the capacity for longing; (d) what someone wants or wishes for, a boon.