An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/hissen

by Friedrich Kluge

hissen, vb., ‘to hoist,’ ModHG. only, derived as a naut. term from the equiv. LG. hissen; comp. Du. hijschen, E. to hoist, Swed. hissa. Among which of the maritime Teutons this technical tern, the etymology of which is still obscure, originated is not known; see Helm (2); it also found its way into Rom. (Fr. hisser).