wishing I. noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English wisshing, from gerund of wisshen to wish : an act or instance of wishing < wishing won't pay the rent > II. adjective Etymology: from present participle of wish (I) 1.archaic: wishful < returned to cheer his wishing tenant's sight — Allan Ramsay †1758 > 2.[wishing (I) ]: regarded as having the power to grant wishes < wishing cap > < wishing well >