Main Entry:

¹wit·ness

Pronunciation:

\ˈwit-nəs\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English witnesse, from Old English witnes knowledge, testimony, witness, from ²wit

Date:

before 12th century

1: attestation of a fact or event : testimony2: one that gives evidence ; specifically : one who testifies in a cause or before a judicial tribunal3: one asked to be present at a transaction so as to be able to testify to its having taken place4: one who has personal knowledge of something5 a: something serving as evidence or proof : sign b: public affirmation by word or example of usually religious faith or conviction <the heroic witness to divine life — Pilot>6capitalized : a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses