[wit.ness] n [ME witnesse, fr. OE witnes knowledge, testimony, witness, fr.
[2]wit] (bef. 12c) 1: attestation of a fact or event: testimony
2: one that gives evidence; specif: one who testifies in a cause or before a judicial tribunal
3: one asked to be present at a transaction so as to be able to testify to its having taken place
4: one who has personal knowledge of something
5. a : something serving as evidence or proof: sign b: public affirmation by word or example of usu. religious faith or conviction "the heroic ~ to divine life --Pilot"
6. cap: a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses
[2]witness vt (14c) 1: to testify to: attest
2: to act as legal witness of
3: to furnish proof of: betoken
4. a: to have personal or direct cognizance of--see for oneself "~ed the historic event" b: to take note of "our grammar -- ~ our verb system--is a marvel of flexibility, variety, and exactitude --Charlton Laird"
5: to constitute the scene or time of "structures ... which this striking Dorset hilltop once ~ed --Times Lit. Supp." ~ vi 1: to bear witness: testify
2: to bear witness to one's religious convictions "opportunity to ~ for Christ --Billy Graham" syn see certify