witness

witness [wit′nis]

n.

[ME witnesse < OE (ge)witnes, witness, knowledge, testimony < witan, to know: see WISE¹ & -NESS]

1. an attesting of a fact, statement, etc.; evidence; testimony

2. a person who saw, or can give a firsthand account of, something

3. a person who testifies in court

4. a person called upon to observe a transaction, signing, etc. in order to testify concerning it if it is later held in question

5. something providing or serving as evidence

vt.

1. to testify to

2. to serve as evidence of

3. to act as witness of, often, in proof thereof, signing a statement that one has done so

4. to be present at; see personally

5. to be the scene or setting of [a hall that has witnessed many conventions]

vi.

1. to give, or serve as, evidence; testify

2. to testify to religious beliefs or faith

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bear witness

to be or give evidence; testify