~ 1
■ noun
1》 (also ~s ) the capacity for inventive thought and quick understanding; keen intelligence.
2》 a natural aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humour.
3》 a ~ty person.
Phrases
be at one's ~s' end be completely at a loss as to what to do.
be frightened (or scared ) out of one's ~s be extremely frightened.
gather (or collect ) one's ~s allow oneself to think calmly and clearly in a demanding situation.
have (or keep ) one's ~s about one be constantly alert.
live by one's ~s earn money by clever and sometimes dishonest means, having no regular employment.
Derivatives
-~ted adjective
Origin
OE ~(t) , ge~(t) , denoting the mind as the seat of consciousness, of Gmc origin; related to ~ 2 .
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~ 2
■ verb ( wot , ~ting ; past and past participle wist )
1》 archaic know.
2》 ( to ~ ) that is to say.
Origin
OE ~an , of Gmc origin.