nill

American  

[nil] / nɪl /

verb (used without object)

nilled, nilling

1. to be unwilling.

   will he, nill he.

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verb (used with object)

nilled, nilling

1. to refuse or reject.

Etymology

Origin of nill

before 900; Middle English nillen, Old English nyllan, contraction of phrase ne willan ; see no ¹, will ¹, willy-nilly

Example Sentences

“The punishment for disrespecting these sacred personalities was almost nill earlier,” said Abdul Akbar Chitrali, a lawmaker belonging to a religious political party and author of the bill.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2023

Britain needs a Post Bank to provide universal banking and local enterprise funds or a community reinvestment nill to help encourage savings back into disadvantaged areas.

From The Guardian • Jun. 17, 2010

Will he, nill he, a Minister is often forced to water the upas tree, which he might prefer to tear up by the roots, but that he now must aid in growing.

From Woman under socialism by De Leon, Daniel

My tres beau sire," Messire de Vernoil ended, "will you or nill you, Venaissin is yours this morning.

From The Certain Hour by Cabell, James Branch

We read his work, and see his human heart,     His manly mind, his true, if thwarted, will, And all that's noblest in us takes his part,     And shames our former verdict, will or nill.

From Sonnets and Other Verse by MacKeracher, W. M.