viz.

Definition

Videlicet: namely, to wit, that is to say, specifically, as an illustration.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin viꝫ, from Latin vidēlicet (“that is to say, namely”), short for vidēre licet (“it is permitted to see, look (it is) legal”). The ‘z’ was originally not a letter but a common Middle Latin scribal abbreviation ꝫ that was used for -et, specifically a Tironian note. The symbol resembled ‘z’, or rather 3 and Ȝ, and hence is thus represented in type. Compare ⁊, the Tironian symbol for Latin et (“and”) (in isolation, not as suffix).

Example Sentences

• "I am at this period, viz. in 1812, living in a cottage; […]"
• "The fact is, when Captain Dobbin blushed so, and looked so, it was necessary to inform the young ladies, viz., that he had been calling at Mr. Sedley's house already, […]"
• "This, however, makes it necessary to distinguish between two different types of gaps, viz. between “singular NP gaps” and “plural NP gaps.”"