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A witness. [Obs.] Prelates and great lords of England, who were for the more surety tests of that deed. Ld. Berners.

A witnessing or witness. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.

A witness.

One who testifies; one who gives testimony, or bears witness to prove anything; a witness.

f of, some fact to a court; to give testimony in a cause depending before a tribunal. One witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Num. xxxv. 30.

Witness; evidence; proof of some fact. When ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Mark vi. 11.

To examine or investigate judicially; to examine by witnesses or other judicial evidence and the principles of law; as, to try a cause, or a criminal.

An oath administered to a witness, usually before being sworn in chief, requiring him to speak the truth, or make true answers in reference to matters inquired of, to ascertain his competency to give evidence. Greenleaf. Ld. Abinger.

To call upon to witness; to obtest. Vouch the silent stars and conscious moon. Dryden.

One who vouches, or gives witness or full attestation, to anything. Will his vouchers vouch him no more Shak. The great writers of that age stand up together as vouchers for one another's reputation. Spectator.

rit, or determination; to become less positive or resolute; as, the patient weakened; the witness weakened on cross-examination. "His notion weakens, his discernings are lethargied." Shak.

Hence, ample; full; satisfactory; abundant. [R.] The wealthy witness of my pen. B. Jonson.

he would him wind. Chaucer. Gifts blind the wise, and bribes do please And wind all other witnesses. Herrick. Were our legislature vested in the prince, he might wind and turn our constitution at his pleasure. Addison.