Witness \Wit"ness\, n. [AS. witness, gewitnes, from witan to
   know. [root]133. See Wit, v. i.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. Attestation of a fact or an event; testimony.
      [1913 Webster]

            May we with . . . the witness of a good conscience,
            pursue him with any further revenge?  --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
                                                  --John v. 31.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. That which furnishes evidence or proof.
      [1913 Webster]

            Laban said to Jacob, . . . This heap be witness, and
            this pillar be witness.               --Gen. xxxi.
                                                  51, 52.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

            Upon my looking round, I was witness to appearances
            which filled me with melancholy and regret. --R.
                                                  Hall.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
          [1913 Webster]

   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.]
      [1913 Webster]

            This, I confess, is haste with a witness. --South.
      [1913 Webster]