Gos"sip (?), n. [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.
Shak.
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, v. t. To stand sponsor
to. [Obs.] Shak.
Gos"sip, v. 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.
