would imperfect of Will. [OE. & AS. wolde. See Will, transitive verb] Commonly used as an auxiliary verb, either in the past tense or in the conditional or optative present. See 2d & 3d Will.

☞ Would was formerly used also as the past participle of Will.

Right as our Lord hath would. Chaucer.

Would, noun See 2d Weld.