-ish, [AS.
-isc; akin to G.
-isch, OHG.
-isc, Goth. & Dan.
-isk, Gr. . Cf.
-esque.].
A suffix used to from adjectives from nouns and from adjectives. It denotes relation, resemblance, similarity, and sometimes has a diminutive force; as, selfish, boyish, brutish; whitish, somewhat white. [1913 Webster]
-ish, [OE. -issen, fr. F. -is, -iss- (found in the present particle, etc., of certain verbs, as finir to finish, fleurir to flourish), corresponding to L. -escere, an inchoative ending.].
A verb ending, originally appearing in certain verbs of French origin; as, abolish, cherish, finish, furnish, garnish, impoverish. [1913 Webster]