Advertisement
viz.
1530s, abbreviation of videlicet "that is to say, to wit, namely" (mid-15c.), from Latin videlicet, contraction of videre licet "it is permissible to see," from videre "to see" (see vision) + licet "it is allowed," third person singular present indicative of licere "be allowed" (see licence). The -z- is not a letter, but originally a twirl, representing the usual Medieval Latin shorthand symbol for the ending -et. "In reading aloud usually rendered by 'namely.' " [OED]
updated on February 26, 2010
Advertisement
Advertisement
Dictionary entries near viz.
vivify
viviparous
vivisect
vivisection
vixen
viz.
vizard
vizier
VJ day
Vlach
Vladimir