hiss



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Hiss \Hiss\, n.
   1. A prolonged sound like that letter s, made by forcing out
      the breath between the tongue and teeth, esp. as a token
      of disapprobation or contempt.
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            "Hiss" implies audible friction of breath
            consonants.                           --H. Sweet.
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            A dismal, universal hiss, the sound
            Of public scorn.                      --Milton.
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   2. Any sound resembling that above described; as:
      (a) The noise made by a serpent.
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                But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue.
                                                  --Milton.
      (b) The note of a goose when irritated.
      (c) The noise made by steam escaping through a narrow
          orifice, or by water falling on a hot stove.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Hiss \Hiss\ (h[i^]s). v. i. [imp. & p. p. Hissed (h[i^]st); 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.
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            The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee.
                                                  --Ezek. xxvii.
                                                  36.
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   2. To make a similar noise by any means; to pass with a
      sibilant sound; as, the arrow hissed as it flew.
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            Shod with steel,
            We hissed along the polished ice.     --Wordsworth.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Hiss \Hiss\, v. t.
   1. To condemn or express contempt for by hissing.
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            If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him,
            according as he pleased and displeased them. --Shak.
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            Malcolm. What is the newest grief?
            Ros. That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker.
                                                  --Shak.
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   2. To utter with a hissing sound.
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            The long-necked geese of the world that are ever
            hissing dispraise.                    --Tennyson.
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