being well-known to someone; familiarity through acquaintance
Refers to a relationship where one person is known to another, often implying a degree of familiarity or recognition. Commonly used in the phrase 見知り越しの間柄 (acquaintance).
He and I are acquainted with each other.
I moved to a town where I know many people by sight.
面識 refers specifically to knowing someone by face, often used in formal contexts. 見知り越し is broader and can include knowing someone by reputation or through interaction.
Compound of 見知り (みしり, 'knowing by sight') + 越し (ごし, 'through, across'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word likely developed from the idea of knowing someone 'across' time or encounters.