E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bis.
Bis dat, qui cito dat (he gives twice who gives promptly)—i.e. prompt relief will do as much good as twice the sum at a future period (Publius Syrus Proverbs.)
1
Purple and bis, i.e. purple and fine linen (Latin, byssus, fine flax). The spelling is sometimes biss, bys, etc.
