witness
witness [-es] n
OE.
- Onlooker; spectator; one personally present; [metaphor] waiting passenger; [fig.] angel; heavenly being.
- Testimony; legal statement; attestation of a fact; [metaphor] imprint; potential for new life; [fig.] creed; expression of faith; declaration of belief; (see Acts 4:33).
- Assent; endorsement; support; sign of agreement.
- Sign; token; symbol.
- Proof; evidence; certification; verification; documentation.
- Story; account; firsthand experience.
- Auditor; listener; silent observer; one who gives testimony based on first-hand experience.
- Organ of vision; body part that enables sight.
witness [-ed, -es] v
OE.
- See; view; [fig.] experience.
- Illuminate; make visible; enable to view.
- Testify; attest; make a formal legal statement; [Webster 1844] “I witnessed the ceremonies in New York, with which the ratification of the constitution was celebrated in 1788.”
- Observe silently.