diff --git a/applications/utilities/miscellaneous/foamInfoExec/foamInfoExec.C b/applications/utilities/miscellaneous/foamInfoExec/foamInfoExec.C
index 50bf81035f..7bff5f4c23 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/miscellaneous/foamInfoExec/foamInfoExec.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/miscellaneous/foamInfoExec/foamInfoExec.C
@@ -100,13 +100,23 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 
                 if (dict.found(entryNames[0]))
                 {
-                    const entry* entPtr = &dict.lookupEntry(entryNames[0]);
+                    const entry* entPtr = &dict.lookupEntry
+                    (
+                        entryNames[0],
+                        false,
+                        true            // wildcards
+                    );
 
                     for (int i=1; i<entryNames.size(); i++)
                     {
                         if (entPtr->dict().found(entryNames[i]))
                         {
-                            entPtr = &entPtr->dict().lookupEntry(entryNames[i]);
+                            entPtr = &entPtr->dict().lookupEntry
+                            (
+                                entryNames[i],
+                                false,
+                                true    // wildcards
+                            );
                         }
                         else
                         {
diff --git a/applications/utilities/postProcessing/graphics/PV3FoamReader/vtkPV3Foam/vtkPV3FoamI.H b/applications/utilities/postProcessing/graphics/PV3FoamReader/vtkPV3Foam/vtkPV3FoamI.H
index 8f9f682cdc..427c0a6fde 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/postProcessing/graphics/PV3FoamReader/vtkPV3Foam/vtkPV3FoamI.H
+++ b/applications/utilities/postProcessing/graphics/PV3FoamReader/vtkPV3Foam/vtkPV3FoamI.H
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ inline Foam::word Foam::vtkPV3Foam::getFirstWord(const char* str)
         {
             ++n;
         }
-        return word(str, n);
+        return word(str, n, true);
     }
     else
     {
diff --git a/applications/utilities/preProcessing/changeDictionary/changeDictionary.C b/applications/utilities/preProcessing/changeDictionary/changeDictionary.C
index f24729da97..ec5d019310 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/preProcessing/changeDictionary/changeDictionary.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/preProcessing/changeDictionary/changeDictionary.C
@@ -164,7 +164,16 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
             forAll(dictList, i)
             {
                 doneKeys[i] = dictList[i].keyword();
-                dictList.set(i, fieldDict.lookupEntry(doneKeys[i]).clone());
+                dictList.set
+                (
+                    i,
+                    fieldDict.lookupEntry
+                    (
+                        doneKeys[i],
+                        false,
+                        true
+                    ).clone()
+                );
                 fieldDict.remove(doneKeys[i]);
             }
             // Add remaining entries
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/Make/files b/src/OpenFOAM/Make/files
index cf4e331e25..e24fd6b5ec 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/Make/files
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/Make/files
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ $(strings)/word/word.C
 $(strings)/word/wordIO.C
 $(strings)/fileName/fileName.C
 $(strings)/fileName/fileNameIO.C
+$(strings)/keyType/keyTypeIO.C
 
 primitives/random/Random.C
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams/Ostream.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams/Ostream.C
index f0d3f8fd1a..577494aa1c 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams/Ostream.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams/Ostream.C
@@ -22,15 +22,31 @@ License
     along with OpenFOAM; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation,
     Inc., 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA
 
-Description
-
 \*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
+#include "word.H"
 #include "Ostream.H"
 #include "token.H"
+#include "keyType.H"
+#include "IOstreams.H"
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Functions  * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
+//- Write keyType
+Foam::Ostream& Foam::Ostream::write(const keyType& s)
+{
+    // Write as word?
+    if (s.isWildCard())
+    {
+        return write(static_cast<const string&>(s));
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        return write(static_cast<const word&>(s));
+    }
+}
+
+
 //- Decrememt the indent level
 void Foam::Ostream::decrIndent()
 {
@@ -47,7 +63,7 @@ void Foam::Ostream::decrIndent()
 
 
 // Write the keyword to the Ostream followed by appropriate indentation
-Foam::Ostream& Foam::Ostream::writeKeyword(const Foam::word& keyword)
+Foam::Ostream& Foam::Ostream::writeKeyword(const Foam::keyType& keyword)
 {
     indent();
     write(keyword);
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams/Ostream.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams/Ostream.H
index bcd081df56..6dc7df259a 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams/Ostream.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams/Ostream.H
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ Description
 #define Ostream_H
 
 #include "IOstream.H"
+#include "keyType.H"
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
@@ -105,6 +106,9 @@ public:
             //- Write word
             virtual Ostream& write(const word&) = 0;
 
+            //- Write keyType
+            virtual Ostream& write(const keyType&);
+
             //- Write string
             virtual Ostream& write(const string&) = 0;
 
@@ -146,7 +150,7 @@ public:
 
             //- Write the keyword to the Ostream followed by
             //  appropriate indentation
-            Ostream& writeKeyword(const word& keyword);
+            Ostream& writeKeyword(const keyType& keyword);
 
 
         // Stream state functions
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionary.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionary.C
index 8a38ff9ba2..ad960e7405 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionary.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionary.C
@@ -34,6 +34,72 @@ defineTypeNameAndDebug(Foam::dictionary, 0);
 
 const Foam::dictionary Foam::dictionary::null;
 
+
+// * * * * * * * * * * * * * Private Member Functions  * * * * * * * * * * * //
+
+bool Foam::dictionary::findInWildcards
+(
+    const bool wildCardMatch,
+    const word& Keyword,
+    DLList<entry*>::const_iterator& wcLink,
+    DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::const_iterator& reLink
+) const
+{
+    if (wildCardEntries_.size() > 0)
+    {
+        //wcLink = wildCardEntries_.begin();
+        //reLink = wildCardRegexps_.end();
+
+        while (wcLink != wildCardEntries_.end())
+        {
+            if (!wildCardMatch && wcLink()->keyword() == Keyword)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+            else if (wildCardMatch && reLink()->matches(Keyword))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            ++reLink;
+            ++wcLink;
+        }
+    }
+
+    return false;
+}
+
+
+bool Foam::dictionary::findInWildcards
+(
+    const bool wildCardMatch,
+    const word& Keyword,
+    DLList<entry*>::iterator& wcLink,
+    DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::iterator& reLink
+)
+{
+    if (wildCardEntries_.size() > 0)
+    {
+        while (wcLink != wildCardEntries_.end())
+        {
+            if (!wildCardMatch && wcLink()->keyword() == Keyword)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+            else if (wildCardMatch && reLink()->matches(Keyword))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            ++reLink;
+            ++wcLink;
+        }
+    }
+
+    return false;
+}
+
+
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Constructors  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 Foam::dictionary::dictionary()
@@ -60,6 +126,18 @@ Foam::dictionary::dictionary
     )
     {
         hashedEntries_.insert(iter().keyword(), &iter());
+
+        if (iter().keyword().isWildCard())
+        {
+            wildCardEntries_.insert(&iter());
+            wildCardRegexps_.insert
+            (
+                autoPtr<regularExpression>
+                (
+                    new regularExpression(iter().keyword())
+                )
+            );
+        }
     }
 }
 
@@ -81,6 +159,18 @@ Foam::dictionary::dictionary
     )
     {
         hashedEntries_.insert(iter().keyword(), &iter());
+
+        if (iter().keyword().isWildCard())
+        {
+            wildCardEntries_.insert(&iter());
+            wildCardRegexps_.insert
+            (
+                autoPtr<regularExpression>
+                (
+                    new regularExpression(iter().keyword())
+                )
+            );
+        }
     }
 }
 
@@ -133,13 +223,29 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::found(const word& keyword, bool recursive) const
     {
         return true;
     }
-    else if (recursive && &parent_ != &dictionary::null)
-    {
-        return parent_.found(keyword, recursive);
-    }
     else
     {
-        return false;
+        if (wildCardEntries_.size() > 0)
+        {
+            DLList<entry*>::const_iterator wcLink = wildCardEntries_.begin();
+            DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::const_iterator reLink =
+                wildCardRegexps_.begin();
+
+            // Find in wildcards using regular expressions only
+            if (findInWildcards(true, keyword, wcLink, reLink))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (recursive && &parent_ != &dictionary::null)
+        {
+            return parent_.found(keyword, recursive);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
     }
 }
 
@@ -147,16 +253,31 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::found(const word& keyword, bool recursive) const
 const Foam::entry* Foam::dictionary::lookupEntryPtr
 (
     const word& keyword,
-    bool recursive
+    bool recursive,
+    bool wildCardMatch
 ) const
 {
     HashTable<entry*>::const_iterator iter = hashedEntries_.find(keyword);
 
     if (iter == hashedEntries_.end())
     {
+        if (wildCardMatch && wildCardEntries_.size() > 0)
+        {
+            DLList<entry*>::const_iterator wcLink =
+                wildCardEntries_.begin();
+            DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::const_iterator reLink =
+                wildCardRegexps_.begin();
+
+            // Find in wildcards using regular expressions only
+            if (findInWildcards(wildCardMatch, keyword, wcLink, reLink))
+            {
+                return wcLink();
+            }
+        }
+
         if (recursive && &parent_ != &dictionary::null)
         {
-            return parent_.lookupEntryPtr(keyword, recursive);
+            return parent_.lookupEntryPtr(keyword, recursive, wildCardMatch);
         }
         else
         {
@@ -171,19 +292,34 @@ const Foam::entry* Foam::dictionary::lookupEntryPtr
 Foam::entry* Foam::dictionary::lookupEntryPtr
 (
     const word& keyword,
-    bool recursive
+    bool recursive,
+    bool wildCardMatch
 )
 {
     HashTable<entry*>::iterator iter = hashedEntries_.find(keyword);
 
     if (iter == hashedEntries_.end())
     {
+        if (wildCardMatch && wildCardEntries_.size() > 0)
+        {
+            DLList<entry*>::iterator wcLink =
+                wildCardEntries_.begin();
+            DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::iterator reLink =
+                wildCardRegexps_.begin();
+            // Find in wildcards using regular expressions only
+            if (findInWildcards(wildCardMatch, keyword, wcLink, reLink))
+            {
+                return wcLink();
+            }
+        }
+
         if (recursive && &parent_ != &dictionary::null)
         {
             return const_cast<dictionary&>(parent_).lookupEntryPtr
             (
                 keyword,
-                recursive
+                recursive,
+                wildCardMatch
             );
         }
         else
@@ -199,16 +335,17 @@ Foam::entry* Foam::dictionary::lookupEntryPtr
 const Foam::entry& Foam::dictionary::lookupEntry
 (
     const word& keyword,
-    bool recursive
+    bool recursive,
+    bool wildCardMatch
 ) const
 {
-    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, recursive);
+    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, recursive, wildCardMatch);
 
     if (entryPtr == NULL)
     {
         FatalIOErrorIn
         (
-            "dictionary::lookupEntry(const word& keyword) const",
+            "dictionary::lookupEntry(const word&, bool, bool) const",
             *this
         )   << "keyword " << keyword << " is undefined in dictionary "
             << name()
@@ -222,16 +359,18 @@ const Foam::entry& Foam::dictionary::lookupEntry
 Foam::ITstream& Foam::dictionary::lookup
 (
     const word& keyword,
-    bool recursive
+    bool recursive,
+    bool wildCardMatch
 ) const
 {
-    return lookupEntry(keyword, recursive).stream();
+    return lookupEntry(keyword, recursive, wildCardMatch).stream();
 }
 
 
 bool Foam::dictionary::isDict(const word& keyword) const
 {
-    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword);
+    // Find non-recursive with wildcards
+    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, false, true);
 
     if (entryPtr)
     {
@@ -246,7 +385,7 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::isDict(const word& keyword) const
 
 const Foam::dictionary* Foam::dictionary::subDictPtr(const word& keyword) const
 {
-    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword);
+    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, false, true);
 
     if (entryPtr)
     {
@@ -261,7 +400,8 @@ const Foam::dictionary* Foam::dictionary::subDictPtr(const word& keyword) const
 
 const Foam::dictionary& Foam::dictionary::subDict(const word& keyword) const
 {
-    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword);
+    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, false, true);
+
     if (entryPtr == NULL)
     {
         FatalIOErrorIn
@@ -278,7 +418,8 @@ const Foam::dictionary& Foam::dictionary::subDict(const word& keyword) const
 
 Foam::dictionary& Foam::dictionary::subDict(const word& keyword)
 {
-    entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword);
+    entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, false, true);
+
     if (entryPtr == NULL)
     {
         FatalIOErrorIn
@@ -314,7 +455,10 @@ Foam::wordList Foam::dictionary::toc() const
 
 bool Foam::dictionary::add(entry* entryPtr, bool mergeEntry)
 {
-    HashTable<entry*>::iterator iter = hashedEntries_.find(entryPtr->keyword());
+    HashTable<entry*>::iterator iter = hashedEntries_.find
+    (
+        entryPtr->keyword()
+    );
 
     if (mergeEntry && iter != hashedEntries_.end())
     {
@@ -336,6 +480,19 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::add(entry* entryPtr, bool mergeEntry)
             if (hashedEntries_.insert(entryPtr->keyword(), entryPtr))
             {
                 entryPtr->name() = name_ + "::" + entryPtr->keyword();
+
+                if (entryPtr->keyword().isWildCard())
+                {
+                    wildCardEntries_.insert(entryPtr);
+                    wildCardRegexps_.insert
+                    (
+                        autoPtr<regularExpression>
+                        (
+                            new regularExpression(entryPtr->keyword())
+                        )
+                    );
+                }
+
                 return true;
             }
             else
@@ -356,6 +513,18 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::add(entry* entryPtr, bool mergeEntry)
         entryPtr->name() = name_ + "::" + entryPtr->keyword();
         IDLList<entry>::append(entryPtr);
 
+        if (entryPtr->keyword().isWildCard())
+        {
+            wildCardEntries_.insert(entryPtr);
+            wildCardRegexps_.insert
+            (
+                autoPtr<regularExpression>
+                (
+                    new regularExpression(entryPtr->keyword())
+                )
+            );
+        }
+
         return true;
     }
     else
@@ -376,27 +545,37 @@ void Foam::dictionary::add(const entry& e, bool mergeEntry)
     add(e.clone(*this).ptr(), mergeEntry);
 }
 
-void Foam::dictionary::add(const word& k, const word& w, bool overwrite)
+void Foam::dictionary::add(const keyType& k, const word& w, bool overwrite)
 {
     add(new primitiveEntry(k, token(w)), overwrite);
 }
 
-void Foam::dictionary::add(const word& k, const Foam::string& s, bool overwrite)
+void Foam::dictionary::add
+(
+    const keyType& k,
+    const Foam::string& s,
+    bool overwrite
+)
 {
     add(new primitiveEntry(k, token(s)), overwrite);
 }
 
-void Foam::dictionary::add(const word& k, const label l, bool overwrite)
+void Foam::dictionary::add(const keyType& k, const label l, bool overwrite)
 {
     add(new primitiveEntry(k, token(l)), overwrite);
 }
 
-void Foam::dictionary::add(const word& k, const scalar s, bool overwrite)
+void Foam::dictionary::add(const keyType& k, const scalar s, bool overwrite)
 {
     add(new primitiveEntry(k, token(s)), overwrite);
 }
 
-void Foam::dictionary::add(const word& k, const dictionary& d, bool mergeEntry)
+void Foam::dictionary::add
+(
+    const keyType& k,
+    const dictionary& d,
+    bool mergeEntry
+)
 {
     add(new dictionaryEntry(k, *this, d), mergeEntry);
 }
@@ -404,7 +583,7 @@ void Foam::dictionary::add(const word& k, const dictionary& d, bool mergeEntry)
 
 void Foam::dictionary::set(entry* entryPtr)
 {
-    entry* existingPtr = lookupEntryPtr(entryPtr->keyword());
+    entry* existingPtr = lookupEntryPtr(entryPtr->keyword(), false, true);
 
     // clear dictionary so merge acts like overwrite
     if (existingPtr && existingPtr->isDict())
@@ -420,7 +599,7 @@ void Foam::dictionary::set(const entry& e)
     set(e.clone(*this).ptr());
 }
 
-void Foam::dictionary::set(const word& k, const dictionary& d)
+void Foam::dictionary::set(const keyType& k, const dictionary& d)
 {
     set(new dictionaryEntry(k, *this, d));
 }
@@ -432,6 +611,19 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::remove(const word& Keyword)
 
     if (iter != hashedEntries_.end())
     {
+        // Delete from wildcards first
+        DLList<entry*>::iterator wcLink =
+            wildCardEntries_.begin();
+        DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::iterator reLink =
+            wildCardRegexps_.begin();
+
+        // Find in wildcards using exact match only
+        if (findInWildcards(false, Keyword, wcLink, reLink))
+        {
+            wildCardEntries_.remove(wcLink);
+            wildCardRegexps_.remove(reLink);
+        }
+
         IDLList<entry>::remove(iter());
         delete iter();
         hashedEntries_.erase(iter);
@@ -447,8 +639,8 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::remove(const word& Keyword)
 
 bool Foam::dictionary::changeKeyword
 (
-    const word& oldKeyword,
-    const word& newKeyword,
+    const keyType& oldKeyword,
+    const keyType& newKeyword,
     bool forceOverwrite
 )
 {
@@ -466,6 +658,18 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::changeKeyword
         return false;
     }
 
+    if (iter()->keyword().isWildCard())
+    {
+        FatalErrorIn
+        (
+            "dictionary::changeKeyword(const word&, const word&, bool)"
+        )   << "Old keyword "<< oldKeyword
+            << " is a wildcard."
+            << "Wildcard replacement not yet implemented."
+            << exit(FatalError);
+    }
+
+
     HashTable<entry*>::iterator iter2 = hashedEntries_.find(newKeyword);
 
     // newKeyword already exists
@@ -473,14 +677,33 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::changeKeyword
     {
         if (forceOverwrite)
         {
+            if (iter2()->keyword().isWildCard())
+            {
+                // Delete from wildcards first
+                DLList<entry*>::iterator wcLink =
+                    wildCardEntries_.begin();
+                DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::iterator reLink =
+                    wildCardRegexps_.begin();
+
+                // Find in wildcards using exact match only
+                if (findInWildcards(false, iter2()->keyword(), wcLink, reLink))
+                {
+                    wildCardEntries_.remove(wcLink);
+                    wildCardRegexps_.remove(reLink);
+                }
+            }
+
             IDLList<entry>::replace(iter2(), iter());
             delete iter2();
             hashedEntries_.erase(iter2);
+            
         }
         else
         {
-            WarningIn("dictionary::changeKeyword(const word&, const word&)")
-                << "cannot rename keyword "<< oldKeyword
+            WarningIn
+            (
+                "dictionary::changeKeyword(const word&, const word&, bool)"
+            )   << "cannot rename keyword "<< oldKeyword
                 << " to existing keyword " << newKeyword
                 << " in dictionary " << name() << endl;
             return false;
@@ -493,6 +716,18 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::changeKeyword
     hashedEntries_.erase(oldKeyword);
     hashedEntries_.insert(newKeyword, iter());
 
+    if (newKeyword.isWildCard())
+    {
+        wildCardEntries_.insert(iter());
+        wildCardRegexps_.insert
+        (
+            autoPtr<regularExpression>
+            (
+                new regularExpression(newKeyword)
+            )
+        );
+    }
+
     return true;
 }
 
@@ -579,6 +814,7 @@ void Foam::dictionary::operator=(const dictionary& dict)
 
     // Create clones of the entries in the given dictionary
     // resetting the parentDict to this dictionary
+
     for
     (
         IDLList<entry>::const_iterator iter = dict.begin();
@@ -586,17 +822,7 @@ void Foam::dictionary::operator=(const dictionary& dict)
         ++iter
     )
     {
-        IDLList<entry>::append(iter().clone(*this).ptr());
-    }
-
-    for
-    (
-        IDLList<entry>::iterator iter = begin();
-        iter != end();
-        ++iter
-    )
-    {
-        hashedEntries_.insert(iter().keyword(), &iter());
+        add(iter().clone(*this).ptr());
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionary.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionary.H
index 05872cce61..00198b7b82 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionary.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionary.H
@@ -27,7 +27,12 @@ Class
 
 Description
     A list of keyword definitions, which are a keyword followed by any number
-    of values (e.g. words and numbers).
+    of values (e.g. words and numbers). The keywords can represent wildcards
+    which are matched using Posix regular expressions. The general order for
+    searching is
+    - exact match
+    - wildcard match
+    - optional recursion into subdictionaries
 
     The dictionary class is the base class for IOdictionary.
     It also serves as a bootstrap dictionary for the objectRegistry data
@@ -49,11 +54,13 @@ SourceFiles
 
 #include "entry.H"
 #include "IDLList.H"
+#include "DLList.H"
 #include "fileName.H"
 #include "ITstream.H"
 #include "HashTable.H"
 #include "wordList.H"
 #include "className.H"
+#include "regularExpression.H"
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
@@ -80,12 +87,40 @@ class dictionary
         //- Dictionary name
         fileName name_;
 
-        //- HashTable of the enries held on the DL-list for quick lookup
+        //- HashTable of the entries held on the DL-list for quick lookup
         HashTable<entry*> hashedEntries_;
 
         //- Parent dictionary
         const dictionary& parent_;
 
+        //- Wildcard entries
+        DLList<entry*> wildCardEntries_;
+
+        //- Wildcard precompiled regex
+        DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> > wildCardRegexps_;
+
+   // Private Member Functions
+
+        //- Search wildcard table either for exact match or for regular
+        //  expression match.
+        bool findInWildcards
+        (
+            const bool wildCardMatch,
+            const word& Keyword,
+            DLList<entry*>::const_iterator& wcLink,
+            DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::const_iterator& reLink
+        ) const;
+
+        //- Search wildcard table either for exact match or for regular
+        //  expression match.
+        bool findInWildcards
+        (
+            const bool wildCardMatch,
+            const word& Keyword,
+            DLList<entry*>::iterator& wcLink,
+            DLList<autoPtr<regularExpression> >::iterator& reLink
+        );
+
 
 public:
 
@@ -181,24 +216,44 @@ public:
 
             //- Find and return an entry data stream pointer if present
             //  otherwise return NULL.
-            //  If recursive search parent dictionaries
+            //  If recursive search parent dictionaries. If wildCardMatch
+            //  use wildcards.
             const entry* lookupEntryPtr
             (
-                const word&, bool recursive=false
+                const word&,
+                bool recursive,
+                bool wildCardMatch
             ) const;
 
             //- Find and return an entry data stream pointer for manipulation
             //  if present otherwise return NULL.
-            //  If recursive search parent dictionaries
-            entry* lookupEntryPtr(const word&, bool recursive=false);
+            //  If recursive search parent dictionaries. If wildCardMatch
+            //  use wildcards.
+            entry* lookupEntryPtr
+            (
+                const word&,
+                bool recursive,
+                bool wildCardMatch
+            );
 
             //- Find and return an entry data stream if present otherwise error.
-            //  If recursive search parent dictionaries
-            const entry& lookupEntry(const word&, bool recursive=false) const;
+            //  If recursive search parent dictionaries. If wildCardMatch
+            //  use wildcards.
+            const entry& lookupEntry
+            (
+                const word&,
+                bool recursive,
+                bool wildCardMatch
+            ) const;
 
             //- Find and return an entry data stream
             //  If recursive search parent dictionaries
-            ITstream& lookup(const word&, bool recursive=false) const;
+            ITstream& lookup
+            (
+                const word&,
+                bool recursive=false,
+                bool wildCardMatch=true
+            ) const;
 
             //- Find and return a T,
             //  if not found return the given default value
@@ -208,7 +263,8 @@ public:
             (
                 const word&,
                 const T&,
-                bool recursive=false
+                bool recursive=false,
+                bool wildCardMatch=true
             ) const;
 
             //- Find and return a T, if not found return the given
@@ -219,7 +275,8 @@ public:
             (
                 const word&,
                 const T&,
-                bool recursive=false
+                bool recursive=false,
+                bool wildCardMatch=true
             );
 
             //- Find an entry if present, and assign to T
@@ -229,7 +286,8 @@ public:
             (
                 const word&,
                 T&,
-                bool recursive=false
+                bool recursive=false,
+                bool wildCardMatch=true
             ) const;
 
             //- Check if entry is a sub-dictionary
@@ -248,7 +306,6 @@ public:
             //- Return the table of contents
             wordList toc() const;
 
-
         // Editing
 
             //- Add a new entry
@@ -263,25 +320,25 @@ public:
 
             //- Add a word entry
             //  optionally overwrite an existing entry
-            void add(const word& keyword, const word&, bool overwrite=false);
+            void add(const keyType&, const word&, bool overwrite=false);
 
             //- Add a string entry
             //  optionally overwrite an existing entry
-            void add(const word& keyword, const string&, bool overwrite=false);
+            void add(const keyType&, const string&, bool overwrite=false);
 
             //- Add a label entry
             //  optionally overwrite an existing entry
-            void add(const word& keyword, const label, bool overwrite=false);
+            void add(const keyType&, const label, bool overwrite=false);
 
             //- Add a scalar entry
             //  optionally overwrite an existing entry
-            void add (const word& keyword, const scalar, bool overwrite=false);
+            void add (const keyType&, const scalar, bool overwrite=false);
 
             //- Add a dictionary entry
             //  optionally merge with an existing sub-dictionary
             void add
             (
-                const word& keyword,
+                const keyType& keyword,
                 const dictionary&,
                 bool mergeEntry=false
             );
@@ -289,7 +346,7 @@ public:
             //- Add a T entry
             //  optionally overwrite an existing entry
             template<class T>
-            void add(const word& keyword, const T&, bool overwrite=false);
+            void add(const keyType& keyword, const T&, bool overwrite=false);
 
             //- Assign a new entry, overwrite any existing entry
             void set(entry*);
@@ -298,11 +355,11 @@ public:
             void set(const entry&);
 
             //- Assign a dictionary entry, overwrite any existing entry
-            void set(const word& keyword, const dictionary&);
+            void set(const keyType& keyword, const dictionary&);
 
             //- Assign a T entry, overwrite any existing entry
             template<class T>
-            void set(const word& keyword, const T&);
+            void set(const keyType& keyword, const T&);
 
             //- Remove an entry specified by keyword
             bool remove(const word& keyword);
@@ -311,8 +368,8 @@ public:
             //  optionally forcing overwrite of an existing entry
             bool changeKeyword
             (
-                const word& oldKeyword,
-                const word& newKeyword,
+                const keyType& oldKeyword,
+                const keyType& newKeyword,
                 bool forceOverwrite = false
             );
 
@@ -361,11 +418,13 @@ public:
 
 // Global Operators
 
-//- Combine dictionaries starting from the entries in dict1 and then including those from dict2.
+//- Combine dictionaries starting from the entries in dict1 and then including
+//  those from dict2.
 //  Warn, but do not overwrite the entries from dict1.
 dictionary operator+(const dictionary& dict1, const dictionary& dict2);
 
-//- Combine dictionaries starting from the entries in dict1 and then including those from dict2.
+//- Combine dictionaries starting from the entries in dict1 and then including
+//  those from dict2.
 //  Do not overwrite the entries from dict1.
 dictionary operator|(const dictionary& dict1, const dictionary& dict2);
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntry.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntry.C
index 9beb835bcb..6dea212507 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntry.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntry.C
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ License
 
 Foam::dictionaryEntry::dictionaryEntry
 (
-    const word& key,
+    const keyType& key,
     const dictionary& parentDict,
     const dictionary& dict
 )
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntry.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntry.H
index 2812c1b0bb..3e86e969b2 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntry.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntry.H
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ SourceFiles
 #ifndef dictionaryEntry_H
 #define dictionaryEntry_H
 
+#include "keyType.H"
 #include "entry.H"
 #include "dictionary.H"
 #include "InfoProxy.H"
@@ -79,7 +80,7 @@ public:
         //- Construct from the keyword, parent dictionary and a Istream
         dictionaryEntry
         (
-            const word& keyword,
+            const keyType& keyword,
             const dictionary& parentDict,
             Istream& is
         );
@@ -87,7 +88,7 @@ public:
         //- Construct from the keyword, parent dictionary and a dictionary
         dictionaryEntry
         (
-            const word& keyword,
+            const keyType& keyword,
             const dictionary& parentDict,
             const dictionary& dict
         );
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntryIO.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntryIO.C
index b6c2c2ebce..9cce3eb7de 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntryIO.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryEntry/dictionaryEntryIO.C
@@ -27,7 +27,9 @@ Description
 
 \*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
+#include "keyType.H"
 #include "dictionaryEntry.H"
+#include "IOstreams.H"
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Constructors  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
@@ -43,14 +45,14 @@ Foam::dictionaryEntry::dictionaryEntry
     is.fatalCheck
     (
         "dictionaryEntry::dictionaryEntry"
-        "(Istream& is, const dictionary& parentDict)"
+        "(const dictionary& parentDict, Istream& is)"
     );
 }
 
 
 Foam::dictionaryEntry::dictionaryEntry
 (
-    const word& key,
+    const keyType& key,
     const dictionary& parentDict,
     Istream& is
 )
@@ -63,7 +65,7 @@ Foam::dictionaryEntry::dictionaryEntry
     is.fatalCheck
     (
         "dictionaryEntry::dictionaryEntry"
-        "(const word& keyword, const dictionary& parentDict, Istream& is)"
+        "(const keyType& keyword, const dictionary& parentDict, Istream& is)"
     );
 }
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryIO.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryIO.C
index 53069af0b0..b1d5fbcbc4 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryIO.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryIO.C
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::substituteKeyword(const word& keyword)
     word varName = keyword(1, keyword.size()-1);
 
     // lookup the variable name in the given dictionary....
-    const entry* ePtr = lookupEntryPtr(varName, true);
+    const entry* ePtr = lookupEntryPtr(varName, true, true);
 
     // ...if defined insert its entries into this dictionary...
     if (ePtr != NULL)
@@ -137,6 +137,8 @@ Foam::Istream& Foam::operator>>(Istream& is, dictionary& dict)
 
     dict.clear();
     dict.hashedEntries_.clear();
+    dict.wildCardEntries_.clear();
+    dict.wildCardRegexps_.clear();
     dict.read(is);
 
     return is;
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryTemplates.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryTemplates.C
index 3dc32a7b51..a47a976814 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryTemplates.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/dictionaryTemplates.C
@@ -34,10 +34,11 @@ T Foam::dictionary::lookupOrDefault
 (
     const word& keyword,
     const T& deflt,
-    bool recursive
+    bool recursive,
+    bool wildCardMatch
 ) const
 {
-    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, recursive);
+    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, recursive, wildCardMatch);
 
     if (entryPtr == NULL)
     {
@@ -55,10 +56,11 @@ T Foam::dictionary::lookupOrAddDefault
 (
     const word& keyword,
     const T& deflt,
-    bool recursive
+    bool recursive,
+    bool wildCardMatch
 )
 {
-    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, recursive);
+    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(keyword, recursive, wildCardMatch);
 
     if (entryPtr == NULL)
     {
@@ -77,10 +79,11 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::readIfPresent
 (
     const word& k,
     T& val,
-    bool recursive
+    bool recursive,
+    bool wildCardMatch
 ) const
 {
-    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(k, recursive);
+    const entry* entryPtr = lookupEntryPtr(k, recursive, wildCardMatch);
 
     if (entryPtr == NULL)
     {
@@ -95,16 +98,17 @@ bool Foam::dictionary::readIfPresent
 
 
 template<class T>
-void Foam::dictionary::add(const word& k, const T& t, bool overwrite)
+void Foam::dictionary::add(const keyType& k, const T& t, bool overwrite)
 {
     add(new primitiveEntry(k, t), overwrite);
 }
 
 
 template<class T>
-void Foam::dictionary::set(const word& k, const T& t)
+void Foam::dictionary::set(const keyType& k, const T& t)
 {
     set(new primitiveEntry(k, t));
 }
 
+
 // ************************************************************************* //
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entry.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entry.C
index 93cf677b0b..54581d869b 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entry.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entry.C
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ License
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Constructors  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
-Foam::entry::entry(const word& keyword)
+Foam::entry::entry(const keyType& keyword)
 :
     keyword_(keyword)
 {}
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entry.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entry.H
index 5afab95b5a..974074862b 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entry.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entry.H
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ SourceFiles
 #ifndef entry_H
 #define entry_H
 
+#include "keyType.H"
 #include "IDLList.H"
 #include "fileName.H"
 #include "autoPtr.H"
@@ -70,21 +71,18 @@ class entry
     // Private data
 
         //- Keyword of entry
-        word keyword_;
+        keyType keyword_;
 
 
     // Private Member Functions
 
-        //- Get the next valid keyword otherwise return false
-        static bool getKeyword(word& keyword, Istream& is);
-
 
 public:
 
     // Constructors
 
         //- Construct from keyword
-        entry(const word& keyword);
+        entry(const keyType& keyword);
 
         //- Construct as copy
         entry(const entry&);
@@ -115,14 +113,17 @@ public:
 
     // Member functions
 
+        //- Get the next valid keyword otherwise return false
+        static bool getKeyword(keyType& keyword, Istream& is);
+
         //- Return keyword
-        const word& keyword() const
+        const keyType& keyword() const
         {
             return keyword_;
         }
 
         //- Return non-const access to keyword
-        word& keyword()
+        keyType& keyword()
         {
             return keyword_;
         }
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entryIO.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entryIO.C
index 830c21cf8a..d131acb8e6 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entryIO.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/entry/entryIO.C
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ License
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
-bool Foam::entry::getKeyword(word& keyword, Istream& is)
+bool Foam::entry::getKeyword(keyType& keyword, Istream& is)
 {
     token keywordToken;
 
@@ -57,6 +57,12 @@ bool Foam::entry::getKeyword(word& keyword, Istream& is)
         keyword = keywordToken.wordToken();
         return true;
     }
+    else if (keywordToken.isString())
+    {
+        // Enable wildcards
+        keyword = keywordToken.stringToken();
+        return true;
+    }
     // If it is the end of the dictionary or file return false...
     else if (keywordToken == token::END_BLOCK || is.eof())
     {
@@ -67,7 +73,7 @@ bool Foam::entry::getKeyword(word& keyword, Istream& is)
     {
         cerr<< "--> FOAM Warning : " << std::endl
             << "    From function "
-            << "entry::getKeyword(word& keyword, Istream& is)" << std::endl
+            << "entry::getKeyword(keyType& keyword, Istream& is)" << std::endl
             << "    in file " << __FILE__
             << " at line " << __LINE__ << std::endl
             << "    Reading " << is.name().c_str() << std::endl
@@ -84,7 +90,7 @@ bool Foam::entry::New(dictionary& parentDict, Istream& is)
 {
     is.fatalCheck("entry::New(const dictionary& parentDict, Istream& is)");
 
-    word keyword;
+    keyType keyword;
 
     // Get the next keyword and if invalid return false
     if (!getKeyword(keyword, is))
@@ -115,7 +121,13 @@ bool Foam::entry::New(dictionary& parentDict, Istream& is)
             // Deal with duplicate entries
             bool mergeEntry = false;
 
-            entry* existingPtr = parentDict.lookupEntryPtr(keyword);
+            // See (using exact match) if entry already present
+            entry* existingPtr = parentDict.lookupEntryPtr
+            (
+                keyword,
+                false,
+                true
+            );
             if (existingPtr)
             {
                 if (functionEntries::inputModeEntry::overwrite())
@@ -158,7 +170,7 @@ Foam::autoPtr<Foam::entry> Foam::entry::New(Istream& is)
 {
     is.fatalCheck("entry::New(Istream& is)");
 
-    word keyword;
+    keyType keyword;
 
     // Get the next keyword and if invalid return false
     if (!getKeyword(keyword, is))
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntry.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntry.C
index df888cd064..71bc50189d 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntry.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntry.C
@@ -24,12 +24,13 @@ License
 
 \*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
+#include "word.H"
 #include "primitiveEntry.H"
 #include "dictionary.H"
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Constructors  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
-Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const word& key, const ITstream& tokens)
+Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const keyType& key, const ITstream& tokens)
 :
     entry(key),
     ITstream(tokens)
@@ -38,7 +39,7 @@ Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const word& key, const ITstream& tokens)
 }
 
 
-Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const word& keyword, const token& t)
+Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const keyType& keyword, const token& t)
 :
     entry(keyword),
     ITstream(keyword, tokenList(1, t))
@@ -47,7 +48,7 @@ Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const word& keyword, const token& t)
 
 Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry
 (
-    const word& keyword,
+    const keyType& keyword,
     const tokenList& tokens
 )
 :
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntry.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntry.H
index b97452818a..86d8afd61d 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntry.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntry.H
@@ -108,23 +108,23 @@ public:
     // Constructors
 
         //- Construct from keyword and a Istream
-        primitiveEntry(const word& keyword, Istream&);
+        primitiveEntry(const keyType& keyword, Istream&);
 
         //- Construct from keyword, parent dictionary and a Istream
-        primitiveEntry(const word& keyword, const dictionary&, Istream&);
+        primitiveEntry(const keyType& keyword, const dictionary&, Istream&);
 
         //- Construct from keyword and a ITstream
-        primitiveEntry(const word& keyword, const ITstream&);
+        primitiveEntry(const keyType& keyword, const ITstream&);
 
         //- Construct from keyword and a token
-        primitiveEntry(const word&, const token&);
+        primitiveEntry(const keyType&, const token&);
 
         //- Construct from keyword and a tokenList
-        primitiveEntry(const word&, const tokenList&);
+        primitiveEntry(const keyType&, const tokenList&);
 
         //- Construct from keyword and a T
         template<class T>
-        primitiveEntry(const word&, const T&);
+        primitiveEntry(const keyType&, const T&);
 
         autoPtr<entry> clone(const dictionary&) const
         {
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntryIO.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntryIO.C
index 10bc3c78c8..58cf475303 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntryIO.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntryIO.C
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ bool Foam::primitiveEntry::expandVariable
     word varName = w(1, w.size()-1);
 
     // lookup the variable name in the given dictionary....
-    const entry* ePtr = dict.lookupEntryPtr(varName, true);
+    const entry* ePtr = dict.lookupEntryPtr(varName, true, true);
 
     // ...if defined insert its tokens into this 
     if (ePtr != NULL)
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@ void Foam::primitiveEntry::readEntry(const dictionary& dict, Istream& is)
 
 Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry
 (
-    const word& key,
+    const keyType& key,
     const dictionary& dict,
     Istream& is
 )
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry
 }
 
 
-Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const word& key, Istream& is)
+Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const keyType& key, Istream& is)
 :
     entry(key),
     ITstream
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntryTemplates.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntryTemplates.C
index fce303173b..38e35b054a 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntryTemplates.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/primitiveEntry/primitiveEntryTemplates.C
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ License
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Constructors  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 template<class T>
-Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const word& keyword, const T& t)
+Foam::primitiveEntry::primitiveEntry(const keyType& keyword, const T& t)
 :
     entry(keyword),
     ITstream(keyword, tokenList(10))
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/strings/word/word.H b/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/strings/word/word.H
index 3e61275164..6565c28b4f 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/strings/word/word.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/strings/word/word.H
@@ -87,16 +87,21 @@ public:
         inline word(const word&);
 
         //- Construct as copy of character array
-        inline word(const char*);
+        inline word(const char*, const bool doStripInvalid = true);
 
         //- Construct as copy with a maximum number of characters
-        inline word(const char*, const size_type);
+        inline word
+        (
+            const char*,
+            const size_type,
+            const bool doStripInvalid
+        );
 
         //- Construct as copy of string
-        inline word(const string&);
+        inline word(const string&, const bool doStripInvalid = true);
 
         //- Construct as copy of std::string
-        inline word(const std::string&);
+        inline word(const std::string&, const bool doStripInvalid = true);
 
         //- Construct from Istream
         word(Istream&);
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/strings/word/wordI.H b/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/strings/word/wordI.H
index c31208fd7b..d71eff2f9a 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/strings/word/wordI.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/strings/word/wordI.H
@@ -65,34 +65,51 @@ inline Foam::word::word()
 {}
 
 
-inline Foam::word::word(const string& s)
+inline Foam::word::word(const string& s, const bool doStripInvalid)
 :
     string(s)
 {
-    stripInvalid();
+    if (doStripInvalid)
+    {
+        stripInvalid();
+    }
 }
 
 
-inline Foam::word::word(const std::string& s)
+inline Foam::word::word(const std::string& s, const bool doStripInvalid)
 :
     string(s)
 {
-    stripInvalid();
+    if (doStripInvalid)
+    {
+        stripInvalid();
+    }
 }
 
 
-inline Foam::word::word(const char* s)
+inline Foam::word::word(const char* s, const bool doStripInvalid)
 :
     string(s)
 {
-    stripInvalid();
+    if (doStripInvalid)
+    {
+        stripInvalid();
+    }
 }
 
-inline Foam::word::word(const char* s, const size_type n)
+inline Foam::word::word
+(
+    const char* s,
+    const size_type n,
+    const bool doStripInvalid
+)
 :
     string(s, n)
 {
-    stripInvalid();
+    if (doStripInvalid)
+    {
+        stripInvalid();
+    }
 }