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Wisp vs Wiss - What's the difference?

wisp | wiss |

As nouns the difference between wisp and wiss

is that wisp is a small bundle, as of straw or other like substance; any slender, flexible structure or group while wiss is meadow, pasture.

As a verb wisp

is to brush or dress, as with a wisp.

wisp

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A small bundle, as of straw or other like substance; any slender, flexible structure or group.
    • A wisp of smoke rose from the candle for a few moments after he blew it out.
    A wisp of hair escaped her barrette and whipped wildly in the wind.
  • * Dryden
    • in a small basket, on a wisp of hay
  • A whisk, or small broom.
  • A will o' the wisp, or ignis fatuus.
  • * Tennyson
    • the wisp that flickers where no foot can tread

    Derived terms

    * will o' the wisp

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To brush or dress, as with a wisp.
  • (UK, dialect) To rumple.
    • (Halliwell)

    wiss

    English

    Alternative forms

    * wis

    Verb

  • (archaic) To know, to understand.
  • * 1652 , Elias Ashmole, Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum :
    • Now with their might they downe me pull, and bring me where they woll, the Blood of myne heart I wiss now causeth both Joy and blisse.
  • * 1874 , Dodsley et al., A Select Collection of Old English Plays :
    • And though that the water be gross and heavy, yet nothing so gross as the earth, I wiss ; therefore by heat it is vapoured up lightly, and in the air maketh clouds and mists.