The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Wishful \Wish"ful\, a. [Cf. Wistful.]
   1. Having desire, or ardent desire; longing.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Showing desire; as, wishful eyes.
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            From Scotland am I stolen, even of pure love
            To greet mine own land with my wishful sight.
                                                  --Shak.
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   3. Desirable; exciting wishes. [R.] --Chapman.
      [1913 Webster] -- Wish"ful*ly, adv. -- Wish"ful*ness,
      n.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

wishful
    adj 1: having or expressing desire for something; "desirous of
           high office"; "desirous of finding a quick solution to
           the problem" [syn: desirous, wishful] [ant:
           undesiring, undesirous]
    2: desiring or striving for recognition or advancement [syn:
       aspirant, aspiring(a), wishful]