Dictionary entry

Hiss

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.