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wis - What does it mean?

Definition of 'wis'

English

Alternative forms

* wiss, ywis, iwis

Etymology 1

From (etyl) . More at ywis.

Adverb

(en-adv)
  • (rare|obsolete|or|dialectal) Certainly, surely
  • * 1884 , Charlotte Mary Yonge, The armourer's prentices :
    • So I wis would the Dragon under him [...]
  • (rare|obsolete|or|dialectal) Really, truly
  • (rare|obsolete|or|dialectal) Indeed
    • "As wis God helpe me." --Chaucer.

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • (rare|obsolete|or|dialectal) Certain
  • (rare|obsolete|or|dialectal) Sure
    • He was wis on his word
    Derived terms
    * (l)

    Etymology 2

    From an incorrect division, mistaking . See ywis for more information. The German verb wissen'' appears similar, but in fact corresponds etymologically to the English verb ''wit ; both of those verbs are only indirectly related to this one.

    Verb

  • (obsolete|or|archaic) To know.
  • (obsolete|or|archaic) To think, suppose.
    • "Howe'er you wis ." --R. Browning.
  • (obsolete|or|archaic) To imagine, ween; to deem.
    • Nor do I know how long it is (For I have lain entranced, I wis ). --Coleridge.
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    Similar to 'wis'

    was, wees, ways, wuss, woks, wags, wigs, waws, woes, wais, wogs, weys, wiss, whys, wyes, woos, wows, wks, wos, wus, whos, ws