WISS (AM) definition

Etymology

Alteration of wis, taken from the incorrect division of iwis meaning "sure(ly), certain(ly)" (< iwis, ywis "sure(ly), certain(ly)" < gewis "certain, positive, sure") as " I wis(s) "; mistaken as a verb. Akin to O.E. witan "to know"; More at wit.

Verb

wiss

To know, to understand.
- 1652: Elias Ashmole, Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum
  
  Now with their might they downe me pull, and bring me where they woll, the Blood of myne heart I wiss now causeth both Joy and blisse.
- 1874: Dodsley et al., A Select Collection of Old English Plays
  
  And though that the water be gross and heavy, yet nothing so gross as the earth, I wiss; therefore by heat it is vapoured up lightly, and in the air maketh clouds and mists.