FESS Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

fess

or fesse

[ fes ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Heraldry.

an ordinary in the form of a broad horizontal band across the middle of an escutcheon.

fess

[ fes ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

fess

[ fes ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.

a teacher.

fess

/ ��ɛ�� /

verb

informal.
intrfoll byup to make a confession

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of fess¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English fes(se), veece, fesshe, from Old French, ultimately from Latin fascia fascia

Origin of fess²

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; shortening of confess

Origin of fess³

First recorded in 1905–10; shortening of professor

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of fess¹

C19: shortened from confess

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“He said, ‘Dad, I have to ‘fess up to you,’” Ladd recounted with a small laugh.

From

By the time kids are asking directly, “Is Santa really real, or are you actually the one bringing the present?” it’s probably time to fess up, Mills said.

From

Those who refused were sent to an administrator’s office to call their parents and fess up to breaking the rule.

From

Did she fess up to her IG handle?

From

This wasn’t the time to fess up that something horribly wrong was happening.

From

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