Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Gossip
Gos′sip
,Noun.
[OE.
gossib
, godsib
, a relation or sponsor in baptism, a relation by a religious obligation, AS. godsibb
, fr. god + sib
alliance, relation; akin to G. sippe
, Goth. sibja
, and also to Skr. sabhā
assembly.] 1.
A sponsor; a godfather or a godmother.
Should a great lady that was invited to be a
gossip
, in her place send her kitchen maid, ’t would be ill taken. Selden.
2.
A friend or comrade; a companion; a familiar and customary acquaintance.
[Obs.]
My noble
gossips
, ye have been too prodigal. Shakespeare
3.
One who runs house to house, tattling and telling news; an idle tattler.
The common chat of
gossips
when they meet. Dryden.
4.
The tattle of a gossip; groundless rumor.
Bubbles o'er like a city with
gossip
, scandal, and spite. Tennyson.
Gos′sip
,Verb.
T.
To stand sponsor to.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Gos′sip
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Gossiped
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Gossiping
.] 1.
To make merry.
[Obs.]
Shak.
2.
To prate; to chat; to talk much.
Shak.
3.
To run about and tattle; to tell idle tales.
Webster 1828 Edition
Gossip
GOS'SIP
, n.1.
A sponsor; one who answers for a child in baptism; a godfather.2.
A tippling companion. And sometimes lurk I in a gossip's bowl.
3.
One who runs from house to house, tattling and telling news; an idle tattler. [This is the sense in which the word is now used.]4.
A friend or neighbor.5.
Mere tattle; idle talk.GOS'SIP
,Verb.
I.
1.
To be a pot-companion.2.
To run about and tattle; to tell idle tales.