Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Tidings?

\Ti"dings\, n. pl. [OE. tidinge, ti?inge, tidinde, from or influenced by Icel. t[=i]?indi; akin to Dan. tidende, Sw. tidning, G. zeung, AS. t[=i]dan to happen, E. betide, tide. See {Tide}, v. i. & n.] Account of what has taken place, and was not before known; news. I shall make my master glad with these tidings. --Shak. Full well the busy whisper, circling round, Conveyed the dismal tidings when he frowned. --Goldsmith. Note: Although tidings is plural in form, it has been used also as a singular. By Shakespeare it was used indiscriminately as a singular or plural. Now near the tidings of our comfort is. --Shak. Tidings to the contrary Are brought your eyes. --Shak. Syn: News; advice; information; intelligence. Usage: {Tidings}, {News}. The term news denotes recent intelligence from any quarter; the term tidings denotes intelligence expected from a particular quarter, showing what has there betided. We may be indifferent as to news, but are always more or less interested in tidings. We read the news daily; we wait for tidings respecting an absent friend or an impending battle. We may be curious to hear the news; we are always anxious for tidings. Evil news rides post, while good news baits. --Milton. What tidings dost thou bring? --Addison.