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Webster 1913 Edition

Hiss

Hiss

(hĭs)
.
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Hissed
(hĭst)
;
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

,
Verb.
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.
Shakespeare
Malcolm. What is the newest grief?
Ros. That of an hour’s age doth
hiss
the speaker.
Shakespeare
2.
To utter with a hissing sound.
The long-necked geese of the world that are ever
hissing
dispraise.
Tennyson.

Hiss

,
Noun.
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.
(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.

Webster 1828 Edition

Hiss

HISS

,
Verb.
I.
1.
To make a sound by driving the breath between the tongue and the upper teeth; to give a strong aspiration, resembling the noise made by a serpent and some other animals, or that of water thrown on hot iron. Hissing is an expression of contempt.
The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee. Ezek. 27.
2.
To express contempt or disapprobation by hissing.
3.
To whiz, as an arrow or other thing in rapid flight.

HISS

,
Verb.
T.
To condemn by hissing; to explode. The spectators hissed him off the stage.
1.
To procure hisses or disgrace.
--That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker.

HISS

,
Noun.
The sound made by propelling the breath between the tongue and upper teeth; the noise of a serpent, a goose, &c.
He hiss for hiss returned.
1.
An expression of contempt or disapprobation, used in places of public exhibition.

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