from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
-ish \-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]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
-ish \-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]