Williwaw

Palin the williwaw is about to be unleashed out of the northland like a force of nature upon the political world and, few in the lower 48 know anything about the overwhelming power of a williwaw. ❋ Unknown (2009)

The "williwaw," sometimes called the "wooley," is one of the great terrors of Fuegian inland waters. ❋ Mayne Reid (1850)

According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10th edition, a williwaw is a “violent gust of cold land air, common along mountainous coasts of high latitudes.” ❋ ROBERT B. STINNETT (2001)

Over a cocktail the admiral called a “williwaw,” the two left work behind and discussed personal matters.4 ❋ ROBERT B. STINNETT (2001)

The ocean was peculiarly calm, cloaked in an uneasy, expectant hush Rogov had come to associate with the quiet before a williwaw. ❋ Douglass, Keith (1997)

Gusting williwaw winds were already pounding the thin shelters, screaming through every tiny crack between the two sections mated to form a fragile barrier against the environment. ❋ Douglass, Keith (1997)

On the afternoon of the tenth day on the island the sky clouded up and Mr. Gibney predicted a williwaw. ❋ Gordon [Illustrator] Grant (1918)

"Right as a trivet! but -- have you ever heard of a williwaw, Peggy?" ❋ Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards (1896)

But it was interesting to see, as I let go the anchor, that it did not reach the bottom before another williwaw struck down from this mountain and carried the sloop off faster than I could pay out cable. ❋ Joshua Slocum (1877)

The parting of a staysail-sheet in a williwaw, when the sea was turbulent and she was plunging into the storm, brought me forward to see instantly a dark cliff ahead and breakers so close under the bows that I felt surely lost, and in my thoughts cried, "Is the hand of fate against me, after all, leading me in the end to this dark spot?" ❋ Joshua Slocum (1877)

While I was wondering why no trees grew on the slope abreast of the anchorage, half minded to lay by the sail-making and land with my gun for some game and to inspect a white boulder on the beach, near the brook, a williwaw came down with such terrific force as to carry the _Spray_, with two anchors down, like a feather out of the cove and away into deep water. ❋ Joshua Slocum (1877)

A full-blown williwaw will throw a ship, even without sail on, over on her beam ends; but, like other gales, they cease now and then, if only for a short time. ❋ Joshua Slocum (1877)

"Wi 'a dozen more strokes we'll be cl'ar o' them -- out o 'the track o' the williwaw, too." ❋ Mayne Reid (1850)

Now he hails it with hope, for he knows that the williwaw [Note 3] causes a Fuegian the most intense fear, and oft engulfs his crazy craft, with himself and all his belongings. ❋ Mayne Reid (1850)