source (copied as is)*
*copy-paste from the OED online:
g. Originally U.S. as is: (originally and esp. of goods for sale) as it is, in the condition in which one finds it; also attributive.
1895 Agric. Gaz. New S. Wales 6 475
If trees have been neglected and fruit is smutty, brand it smutty, to be sold ‘as is’ [quoting U.S. speaker].
1918 Shortage of Coal
(Hearings before U.S. Senate Subcomm. of Comm. on Manufactures)
957
The coal has always been sold on the ‘as is’ basis. This term is best expressed in English by the translation of the old Roman motto: ‘Let the buyer beware’.
1930 Pop. Sci. Monthly May 73/1
In many cases, such [radio] sets are sold ‘as is’.
1965 House & Garden Jan. 60
There are many varieties of this sausage. Some are cured and dried and can be eaten as is. Others should be cooked.
1987 N.Y. Times 2 July c12
(advt.)
Exceptional values on clearance, floor sample, and ‘as is’ items before inventory.
2010 Wall St. Jrnl. 23 Jan. a14/1
They argue for ObamaCare as is, perhaps with sidecar amendments that address liberal objections.