What is the meaning of 'tis?

Answer 1

If two people were talking and a female arrived who was known to both, one of them might say "tis herself" as a way to introduce the person to the conversation. Term is used less and less and then only by country folk It is my understanding--excuse me here if I am off, I'm in the States--that it refers to the lady of the house as well. A female of assumed authority, too. Actually all it means is "it is" herself, as in it's her or there she is. Just a shortened version same way you'd shorten did not to didn't. As stated above used more by country folk. Lol well I say it quite a bit. I must be a "country person" so. There's a more subtle meaning in this phrase! 'Tis herself is usually meant mockingly, for a female who thinks she is more important than she really is. It's mocking the titles the Anglo-Irish and English aristocracy. It is reminiscent of someone announcing the arrival of royalty at a fancy event. The reason it is much more commonly used among "country folk," is that it is a joke making fun of "sophisticated" upper class elites. "Herself" implies everyone present knows the woman in question, but she is important enough to require a special introduction anyways. It's a Joke!

Answer 2

'tis is a contraction of it is
One of America's patriotic songs uses the expression:
America ( sometimes called, My Country, 'Tis of Thee) opens this way:

"My country,' tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing...."

Additionally, a well known example of using 'tis (it is) is in the Christmas song: 'tis the season to be jolly

Note: Jolly in this context means happy

Answer 3

'Tis is a contraction of "it is" or "it has." It is used informally in place of the full phrase for brevity or to sound more poetic or old-fashioned.