From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
hiss
n 1: a fricative sound (especially as an expression of
disapproval); "the performers could not be heard over
the hissing of the audience" [syn: hissing,
sibilation]
2: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt [syn:
boo, hoot, Bronx cheer, raspberry, razzing,
snort, bird]
v 1: make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval [syn:
siss, sizz, sibilate]
2: move with a whooshing sound [syn: whoosh]
3: express or utter with a hiss [syn: sizz, siss,
sibilate]
4: show displeasure, as after a performance or speech [syn:
boo] [ant: applaud]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Hiss \Hiss\, v. t.
1. To condemn or express contempt for by hissing.
[1913 Webster]
If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him,
according as he pleased and displeased them. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Malcolm. What is the newest grief?
Ros. That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. To utter with a hissing sound.
[1913 Webster]
The long-necked geese of the world that are ever
hissing dispraise. --Tennyson.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Hiss \Hiss\, n.
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.
[1913 Webster]
"Hiss" implies audible friction of breath
consonants. --H. Sweet.
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A dismal, universal hiss, the sound
Of public scorn. --Milton.
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2. Any sound resembling that above described; as:
(a) The noise made by a serpent.
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But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue.
--Milton.
(b) The note of a goose when irritated.
(c) The noise made by steam escaping through a narrow
orifice, or by water falling on a hot stove.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Hiss \Hiss\ (h[i^]s). v. i. [imp. & p. p. Hissed (h[i^]st); p.
pr. & vb. n. Hissing.] [AS. hysian; prob. of imitative
origin; cf. LG. hissen, OD. hisschen.]
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.
[1913 Webster]
The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee.
--Ezek. xxvii.
36.
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2. To make a similar noise by any means; to pass with a
sibilant sound; as, the arrow hissed as it flew.
[1913 Webster]
Shod with steel,
We hissed along the polished ice. --Wordsworth.
[1913 Webster]