Gŏd1, n.
n. [A-S., O. Sax., & D. god, Icel. gudl, godh, Sw. & Dan. gud, O. H. Ger. got, N. H. Ger. gott, Goth. guth, allied to Pers. khodā, Hind. khudā. As this word and good are written exactly alike in Anglo-Saxon, it has been inferred that God was named from his goodness. But the corresponding words in most of the other languages are not the same, and it is believed no instance can be found of a name given to the Supreme Being from the attribute of goodness. It is probably an idea too remote from the rude conceptions of men in early ages. With the exception of the word Jehovah, the name of the Supreme Being appears usually to have reference to his supremacy or power, and to be equivalent to lord or ruler. In the present case, there is some evidence that this is the sense of this word; for, in Persian, godā, or khodā, signifies lord, master, prince, or ruler.]
Sense 1. An object of worship; a being conceived of as possessing divine power, and to be propitiated by sacrifice, worship, &c.; a divinity; a deity.
This man is now become a god. Shak.
Sense 2. The Supreme Being; the eternal and infinite Spirit, the Creator, and the Sovereign of the universe; Jehovah.
God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John iv. 24.
Sense 3. A prince, a ruler, a magistrate, or judge; an angel. [Rare, except in Scripture.]
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. Ex. xxii. 28.
Sense 4. A person or thing exalted too much in estimation, or deified and honored as the chief good. “Whose god is their belly?” Phil. iii. 19.