dial. Also 6 wyspe, 8–9 whisp. [Of doubtful origin; perh. a use of prec.]

1

  a.  A disease in cattle, causing lameness or soreness near the hoof. (Cf. ANGLEBERRY, FOUL sb. 2.)

2

1577.  Googe, Heresbach’s Husb., III. 132. This disease, as I take it, the countrey people call the Fowle, or the Wyspe.

3

1684.  J. S., Profit & Pleas. United, 24.

4

1696.  Aubrey, Misc., 109. To Cure a Bullock, that hath the Wisp, (that is) Lame between the Clees.

5

1847.  Halliwell, Whisp … Wisp.

6

  b.  = STY sb.4 (Cf. earlier and dial. WEST sb.2 and dial. wish.)

7

1789.  A. C. Bower, Diaries & Corr. (1903), 57. I am blind in one Eye nearly from a Whisp on the Eye lid.

8

1888.  Berksh. Gloss., Stye, a ‘wisp’ on the eye.

9