wits

We have been called so _of many_; not that our heads are some brown, some black, some auburn, some bald, _but that our wits are so diversely coloured_: and truly I think, if ALL _our wits_ were to issue out of ONE skull, they would fly east, west, north, south; and _their consent_ of _one direct_ way should be at once to ALL the points o'the compass.

The Philosophy of the Plays of Shakspere Unfolded Delia Bacon 1835

Ascham, in his elegant description of those whom in modern language we term wits, says, that they are "open flatterers, and private mockers."

Lives of the English Poets : Waller, Milton, Cowley Samuel Johnson 1746

Ascham, in his elegant description of those whom, in modern language, we term wits, says, that they are "open flatterers, and privy mockers."

Lives of the Poets, Volume 1 Samuel Johnson 1746

I call this second technique Sir Ian Blair style reassurance Policing; say something stupid about how safe an area is wont be supported by anyone and retreat to their office before anyone recovers their wits from the sheer audacity of the comment to reply.

Every Cloud « POLICE INSPECTOR BLOG Inspector Gadget 2008

'The lady,' said Joscelyn with some impatience, 'who understand the letter must outdo me in wits, for I find no understanding whatever in your silly song.

Martin Pippin in the Apple Orchard 1921

Take Beckford's millions away; make him coin his wits to supply the want of them; and what would have been the result?

The English Novel George Saintsbury 1889

The fact was that a higher kind of humour was required, and accordingly we now, for the first time, hear of "wits" -- men of good birth and position, who prided themselves on their talent.

History of English Humour, Vol. 1 (of 2) With an Introduction upon Ancient Humour Alfred Guy Kingan L'Estrange 1873

Whoopie that will scare the s*** out of the villains but hay never mind when the s*** is hitting the fan the f***wits from the fairy factory are never on duty let alone at the scene. on October 24, 2007 at 7: 16 pm | Reply Why do we bother? hear hear Bob! on October 30, 2007 at 10: 57 pm | Reply PC Bitseach

“Could Try Harder” « POLICE INSPECTOR BLOG Inspector Gadget 2007

I respect your wits, which is why I think I can joke with you once in a while.

Think Progress » Let The Cameras Roll 2010

As with other noir heroes and antiheroes, his wits are his best weapon.

In the Shadowy Recesses of 'Noir' 2012