Wis

Alternative forms

• wiss, ywis, iwis

From Middle English wis ("certain, sure"), from an aphetic form of Middle English iwis, ywis ("certain, sure") (from Old English Ä¡ewiss ("certain, sure")), or of origin, akin to Icelandic viss ("certain"). More at ywis.

Full definition of wis

Adverb

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

Adjective

1. (rare, obsolete or dialectal) Certain
2. (rare, obsolete or dialectal) SureHe was wis on his word

Derived terms

• wisly

From an incorrect division, mistaking iwis ("certain") for I wis ("I know"). 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

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