will-call

[wil-kawl, wil-kawl]

noun

1. an item of merchandise that is reserved for a customer, who takes possession of it when payments have been completed.

2. a department in a store where such merchandise is held.

3. layaway plan.

adjective

1. of or relating to merchandise held in will-call or on the layaway plan.

Word History and Origins

Origin of will-call¹

First recorded in 1895–1900