wit
WIT, v.i. G., to know. See Wise. To know. This verb is used only in the infinitive, to wit, namely, that is to say. L.
WIT, n. See the verb and Wise.
1. Primarily, the intellect; the understanding or mental powers.
Will puts in practice what the wit deviseth.
For wit and power their last endeavors bend t outshine each other.
2. The association of ideas in a manner natural, but unusual and striking, so as to produce surprise joined with pleasure. Wit is defined.
What oft was thought, but neer so well expressd.
Wit consists in assembling and putting together with quickness, ideas in which can be found resemblance and congruity, by which to make up pleasant pictures and agreeable visions in the fancy.
Wit consists chiefly in joining things by distant and fanciful relations, which surprise us because they are unexpected.
Wit is a propriety of thoughts and words; or in other terms, thoughts and words elegantly adapted to the subject.
3. The faculty of associating ideas in a new and unexpected manner.
4. A man of genius; as, the age of Addison abounded with wits.
A wit herself, Amelia weds a wit.
5. A man of fancy or wit.
Intemperate wits will spare neither friend nor foe.
6. Sense; judgment.
He wants not wit the danger to decline.
7. Faculty of the mind.
8. Wits, in the plural, soundness of mind; intellect not disordered; sound mind. No man in his wits would venture on such an expedition. Have you lost your wits? Is he out of his wits?
9. Power of invention; contrivance; ingenuity. He was at his wits end.
witness
WITNESS, n.
1. Testimony; attestation of a fact or event.
If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. John 5.
2. That which furnishes evidence or proof.
Laban said, this heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Genesis 31.
3. A person who knows or sees any thing; one personally present; as, he was witness; he was an eye-witness. 1 Peter 5.
4. One who sees the execution of an instrument, and subscribes it for the purpose of confirming its authenticity b his testimony.
5. One who gives testimony; as, the witnesses in court agreed in all essential facts.
With a witness, effectually; to a great degree; with great force, so as to leave some mark as a testimony behind. He struck with a witness. Not elegant.
WITNESS, v.t.
1. To see or know by personal presence. I witnessed the ceremonies in New York, with which the ratification of the constitution was celebrated, in 1788.
2. To attest; to give testimony to; to testify to something.
Behold, how many things they witness against thee. Mark 15.
3. To see the execution of an instrument, and subscribe it for the purpose of establishing its authenticity; as, to witness a bond or a deed.
WITNESS, v.i.
1. To bear testimony.
The men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth. 1 Kings 21.
2. To give evidence.
The shew of their countenance doth witness against them. Isaiah 3.
witnessed
WITNESSED, pp. Seen in person; testified; subscribed by persons present; as a deed witnessed by two persons.
witnessing
WITNESSING, ppr. Seeing in persons; bearing testimony; giving evidence.
witted
WITTED, a. Having wit or understanding; as a quick witted boy.
wittingly
WITTINGLY, adv. See Wit. Knowingly; with knowledge; by design.
He knowingly and wittingly brought evil into the world.