1 a : attestation of a fact or event in witness whereof the parties have executed this release
- b : evidence (as of the authenticity of a conveyance by deed) furnished by signature, oath, or seal
2: one who gives evidence regarding matters of fact under inquiry; specifically : one who testifies or is legally qualified to testify in a case or to give evidence before a judicial tribunal or similar inquiry
- a witness before a congressional committee
- no person…shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself
- —U.S. Constitution amend. V
— adverse witness
: a witness who is called by or associated with an opposing party or who by statement, conduct, or other evidence (as of relationship) shows bias against or is injurious to the case of the party by whom the witness is called
- sought to have his witness declared an adverse witness subject to impeachment
— called also hostile witness; see also leading question at question 1
— alibi witness
— character witness
— expert witness
— hostile witness
— lay witness
— material witness
— prosecuting witness
— qualified witness
— rebuttal witness
3: one who is called on to be present at a transaction so as to be able to testify to its occurrence; specifically : one who sees the execution of an instrument and signs it to confirm its authenticity
- a witness to a will
4: eyewitness
- a witness to an assault
— bear witness