Hiss — Defs

01 v. i. 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 th…

imp. & p. p. Hissed; p. pr. & vb. n. Hissing

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.

02 v. t. To condemn or express contempt for by hissing.

1.
To condemn or express contempt for by hissing.
“If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them.” — Shak.

“Malcolm. What is the newest grief? Ros. That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker.” — Shak.
2.
To utter with a hissing sound.
“The long-necked geese of the world that are ever hissing dispraise.” — Tennyson.

03 n. 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.

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.
““Hiss” implies audible friction of breath consonants.” — H. Sweet.

“A dismal, universal hiss, the sound Of public scorn.” — Milton.
2.
Any sound resembling that above described
“But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue.” — Milton.
3.
The note of a goose when irritated.