† wielern.

Etymology: Cognate with or formed similarly to Middle Dutch wichelare , wighelaer , wijchelaer (Dutch wichelaar ), Middle Low German wicheler , both in the sense ‘soothsayer, diviner’ < the Germanic base of wiele v. + the Germanic base of -er suffix¹.For a discussion of the inherited quantity of the vowel of the first syllable, see wiele v. Variant readings in the Ancrene Riwle. Two of the variant readings in quot. c1230 appear to show alterations of the word or substitution of a different noun, perhaps implying unfamiliarity on the part of the scribes with wieler n. and related words. With the reading wikelare in MS Cleopatra perhaps compare fickler n. at fickle v.¹ Derivatives or alternatively Middle Dutch wikelare (1285), apparently a similar alteration of Middle Dutch wichelare (perhaps after wicken to tell the future, divine: see witch v.¹). With the reading wiliere in MS Titus compare wile n. and discussion at that entry.