Laban said to Jacob, . . . This heap be witness, and this pillar be
witness.
Gen. xxxi. 51, 52.
3. One who is cognizant; a person who beholds, or otherwise has
personal knowledge of, anything; as, an eyewitness; an earwitness.
"Thyself art witness I am betrothed." Shak.
Upon my looking round, I was witness to appearances which filled me
with melancholy and regret.
R. Hall.
4. (Law) (a) One who testifies in a cause, or gives evidence before a
judicial tribunal; as, the witness in court agreed in all essential
facts. (b) One who sees the execution of an instrument, and subscribes
it for the purpose of confirming its authenticity by his testimony; one
who witnesses a will, a deed, a marriage, or the like.
Privileged witnesses. (Law) See under Privileged. — With a witness,
effectually; to a great degree; with great force, so as to leave some
mark as a testimony. [Colloq.]
This, I confess, is haste with a witness.
South.
Wit"ness, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Witnessed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Witnessing.]