Obs. [irreg. f. would, pa. t. of WILL v.1 + -ER1.] In the proverbial phrase wishers and woulders: those given to saying ‘I wish…’ and ‘I would…,’ i.e., indulging idle wishes instead of making active efforts.
The proverb in which the word rhymes with householders is freq. quoted (with slight variations) down to the 18th cent.
1508. Stanbridge, Vulgaria (W. de W.), C vj. Wysshers and wolders be small housholders.
1546. J. Heywood, Prov., I. xi. (1867), 26. Wishers and wolders be no good householders.
a. 1617. Bayne, Lect. (1634), 140. A man may bee a wisher and woulder with Balaam, but misse of his desires.
1623. R. Carpenter, Consc. Christian, 18. The imperfect Essayes … of lazie languishing wishers and woulders.
1646. Hammond, Tracts, Consc., 36. The hypocrisie of the wisher and woulder, that could wish he were better then he is.
1670. Ray, Prov., 295. (Scot. Prov.) Wishers and walders are poor househalders.
[1870. Schaff, Comm. Prov. xxi. 25–6. Wishers and woulders are neither good householders nor long livers.]
† b. In well-woulder: well-wisher. Obs.–1
1643. Plaine English, 28. These are well-woulders to the Parliament.
