iwis

American  

[ih-wis] / ɪˈwɪs /

Or ywis

adverb

Obsolete.

1. certainly.

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iwis British  

/ ɪˈwɪs /

adverb

1. an archaic word for certainly

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Etymology

Origin of iwis

First recorded before 900; Middle English, adverb use of neuter of Old English gewiss (adjective) “certain”; cognate with Dutch gewis, German gewiss “certain, certainly”; akin to wit ²; see y-

Example Sentences

And if I find more," said Robin, "Iwis, thou shalt it forgo; For of thy spending silver, Monk!

From Fifteenth Century Prose and Verse by Various

"Hereof to speak," said Adam Bell, "Iwis it is no boot; The meat that we must sup withal It runneth yet fast on foot."

From A Bundle of Ballads by Morley, Henry

One whyle then the page he went,115 Another whyle he ranne; Till he had oretaken king Estmere, Iwis he never blanne.

From English and Scottish Ballads (volume 3 of 8) by Various

"How far is it to Iwis?" said Felix.

From After London Or, Wild England by Jefferies, Richard

Iwis we have done for him, when many a time and often he might have gone a hungry to bed.

From Cromwell by Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works)