Wilson (Bob), groom of Sir William Ashton, the lord keeper of Scotland.--Sir W. Scott, Bride of Lammermoor (time, William III.).
Wilson (Christie), a character in the introduction of the Black Dwarf, by Sir W. Scott.
Wilson (John), groom of Mr. Godfrey Bertram, laird of Ellangowan.--Sir W. Scott, Guy Mannering (time, George II.).
Wilton (Ralph de), the accepted suitor of Lady Clare, daughter of the earl of Gloucester. When Lord Marmion overcame Ralph de Wilton in the ordeal of battle, and left him for dead on the field, Lady Clare took refuge in Whitby Convent. By Marmion’s desire she was removed from the convent to Tantallon Hall, where she met Ralph, who had been cured of his wounds. Ralph, being knighted by Douglas, married the Lady Clare.--Sir W. Scott, Marmion (1808).
Wimble (Will), a character in Addison’s Spectator, simple, good-natured, and officious.
⁂ Will Wimble in the flesh was Thomas Morecroft, of Dublin (*-1741).
Wimbledon (The Philosopher of), John Horne Tooke, who lived at Wimbledon, near London (1736-1812).
Winchester (The bishop of), Lancelot Andrews. The name is not given in the novel, but the date of the novel is 1620, and Dr. Andrews was translated from Ely to Winchester in February, 1618-19; and died in 1626.--Sir W. Scott, Fortunes of Nigel (time, James I.).
Wind Sold. At one time the Finlanders and Laplanders drove a profitable trade by the sale of winds. After being paid they knitted three magical knots, and told the buyer that when he untied the first he would have a good gale; when the second, a strong wind; and when the third, a severe tempest.--Olaus Magnus, History of the Goths, etc., 47 (1658).
King Eric of Sweden was quite a potentate of these elements, and could change them at pleasure by merely shifting his cap.