Wisp \Wisp\, n. [OE. wisp, wips; probably akin to D. & G. wisch, Icel. visk, and perhaps to L. virga a twig, rod. Cf. {Verge} a rod, {Whisk}, n.] 1. A small bundle, as of straw or other like substance.
In a small basket, on a wisp of hay. --Dryden.
2. A whisk, or small broom.
3. A Will-o'-the-wisp; an ignis fatuus.
The wisp that flickers where no foot can tread. --Tennyson.
Wisp \Wisp\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Wisped}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Wisping}.] 1. To brush or dress, an with a wisp.
2. To rumple. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
The cloud cannot be seen normally, but an exploding star would provide a burst of light, rather like a flashbulb, to illuminate the distant wisp of matter.
The slightest wisp of melody sang; the briefest motif asserted itself. The late C Major Fantasy of Schubert opened with playing at the other extreme, a blissful calm, devoid of tension, long phrases floating on a soft breeze of tenderness.