willowishadj.
1. Somewhat resembling that of a willow, esp. in reference to the colour of willow-leaves.
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the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > tree or shrub groups > willow and allies > [adjective]
withenc1230
osiered?1523
osier1577
mouse-eareda1642
willowish1653
round-eared1704
willowed1745
willowy1766
tea-leaved1806
sallowy1840
the world > matter > colour > named colours > green or greenness > [adjective] > greenish
greenisha1398
herbish1562
watcheta1609
willowish1653
greeny1657
viridescent1847
greensome1883
greenery1896
1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler v. 105 First for a May-fly: you may make his body with greenish-coloured crewel, or willowish colour.
1657 J. Beale Herefordshire Orchards 19 A fady willowish broad leaf.
1676 J. Smith Art of Painting in Oyl ii. 21 It's Willowish colour must be corrected with Yellows.
2. Like a willow; fig. of a pliant character. rare.
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the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > inconstancy > [adjective] > weak in character or will
nesheOE
feeblec1200
softc1275
weaka1425
infirm1526
lithya1533
unheaded1577
spiritless1595
pappy1597
irresolute1600
marrowless1607
seducible1613
wax-nosedc1615
unsinewy?1623
reedy1628
swayable1642
short-spirited1647
weak-headed1654
lath-backed1676
will-less?1680
tiffany-trader1702
weak-minded1716
lax1751
lax-fibred1762
nerveless1783
wishy-washy1801
marcid1822
molluscous1836
boneless1848
weedy1849
putty-headed1857
flabby1862
weak-kneed1863
fibreless1864
invertebrate1867
chinless1881
backboneless1882
featherweight1885
spineless1885
weak-willed1885
totter-kneed1887
akratic1896
effete1905
weakling1906
gutless1915
willowish1919
Milquetoast1932
nannified1960
ball-less1967
1919 G. Saintsbury Hist. Fr. Novel II. 12 (note) It is intended to bring before the reader's mind the utterly willowish character of Oswald, Lord Nelvil.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online January 2018).
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adj.1653