Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Hiss?

\Hiss\ v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Hissed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Hissing}.] [AS. hysian; prob. of imitative origin?; cf. LG. hissen, OD. hisschen.] 1. To make with the mouth a prolonged sound like that of the letter s, by driving the breath between the tongue and the teeth; to make with the mouth a sound like that made by a goose or a snake when angered; esp., to make such a sound as an expression of hatred, passion, or disapproval. The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee. --Ezek. xxvii. 36. 2. To make a similar noise by any means; to pass with a sibilant sound; as, the arrow hissed as it flew. Shod with steel, We hissed along the polished ice. --Wordsworth.
\Hiss\, v. t. 1. To condemn or express contempt for by hissing. If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them. --Shak. Malcolm. What is the newest grief? Ros. That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker. --Shak. 2. To utter with a hissing sound. The long-necked geese of the world that are ever hissing dispraise. --Tennyson.
\Hiss\, n. 1. A prolonged sound like that letter s, made by forcing out the breath between the tongue and teeth, esp. as a token of disapprobation or contempt. ``Hiss'' implies audible friction of breath consonants. --H. Sweet. A dismal, universal hiss, the sound Of public scorn. --Milton. 2. Any sound resembling that above described; as: (a) The noise made by a serpent. But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue. --Milton. (b) The note of a goose when irritated. (c) The noise made by steam escaping through a narrow orifice, or by water falling on a hot stove.