Obs. Also 5 byszyn, bissyn, 6 bis. [onomatopœic.]
1. trans. To sing or hum (children) to sleep. Hence Byssing vbl. sb. and ppl. a.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 37/1. Byszyn chyldur, sopio, nenior. Byssynge of chyldyrne, sopicio. Byssynge songys, fascinnina.
2. intr. To hiss, fizz (as in the fire).
1513. Douglas, Æneis, VIII. vii. 119. The irne lumpis … Can byss and quhisyll.
c. 1550. Fyre of Purgat., iii. in Gude & Godlie Ball., 163. Thay … lat the saulis burn and bis Of all thair Foundatouris.
