vbl. sb. Obs. [irreg. f. would pa. t. of WILL v.1] The action or fact of desiring. Usually coupled with wishing.
1549. Chaloner, Erasm. on Folly, K iii. There be some who onely with wishyng and wouldyng are riche in their own fantasie.
1620. Sanderson, Serm. ad Clerum, iii. (1681), I. 51. You may call it wishing and woulding, (and we have Proverbs against wishers and woulders;) rather than Praying.
1655. Gurnall, Chr. in Arm., I. (1656), 314. If woulding and wishing will bring them to heaven, then they may come thither.
a. 1714. M. Henry, Wks. (1835), I. 113. Wishing and woulding is but trifling.
b. pl. Desires, inclinations.
a. 1640. Fenner, Sacrif. Faithfull (1648), 38. Many a poore soule, that hath forcible wouldings, and wracked desires after grace and holinesse.
1661. Gurnall, Chr. in Arm., III. (1662), 554. Some lazy wouldings or wishings, or weak vellieties.
1710. J. Norris, Chr. Prud., 217. They have a great many imperfect Motions, Inclinations, Half Consents, and Velleities or Wouldings to do so.
a. 1758. Jon. Edwards, in Life Brainerd (1845), 368. His desires were not idle wishings and wouldings.
