Good1, a.
a. [compar. BETTER; superl. BEST. These words, though used as the comparative and superlative of good, are from a different root.] [A-S., O. Sax., Sw., & Dan. god, Goth. gods, Icel. goðr, D. goed, O. H. Ger. gōt, M. H. Ger. guot, N. H. Ger. gut, allied to Gr. ἀγαθός.]
Sense 1. Possessing desirable qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad, corrupt, noxious, offensive, troublesome, or the like.
And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Gen. i. 31.
Good company, good wine, good welcome. Shak.
Sense 2. Possessing moral excellence or virtue; virtuous; pious; religious; — said of persons or actions.
Yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. Rom. v. 7.
In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works. Tit. ii. 7.
Sense 3. Kind; benevolent; humane; merciful; gracious; propitious; friendly; — followed by to or toward.
The men were very good to us. 1 Sam. xxv. 15.
Sense 4. Serviceable; suited; adapted; suitable; of use; — followed especially by for.
All quality that is good for any thing is founded originally in merit. Collier.
Sense 5. Clever; skillful; dexterous; handy; — followed especially by at.
He is a good workman; a very good tailor. Shak.
Those are generally good at flattering who are good for nothing else. South.
Sense 6. Adequate; sufficient; competent; valid; in a commercial sense, to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; having pecuniary ability; of unimpaired credit.
My reasons are both good and weighty. Shak.
My meaning in saying he is a good man, is to have you understand me that he is sufficient . . . I think I may take his bonds. Shak.
Sense 7. Real; actual; serious; as in the phrases in good earnest, in good sooth. “Love not in good earnest.” Shak.
Sense 8. Not small, insignificant, or of no account; considerable; especially in the phrases a good deal, a good way, a good degree, a good share or part, and the like.
The curiosity of the public went a good way to maintain an unabated interest in these publications. W. Scott.
Sense 9. Not lacking or deficient; full; complete.
Good measure, pressed down, and running over. Luke vi. 38.
Sense 10. Not blemished or impeached; fair; honorable; as in the phrases a good name, a good report, good repute, and the like.
A good name is better than precious ointment. Eccl. vii. 1.
A good fellow, a person distinguished or esteemed for his companionable qualities. — As good as, not less than; not falling short of. — As good as one's word, faithful to an obligation; performing to the extent promised. — Good consideration (Law), a consideration of blood or of natural love and affection. Blackstone. — Good for nothing, of no value; worthless; insignificant. — To hold or stand good, to continue solid or fixed; to remain in effect. — To make good, to fulfill; to establish; to maintain; to supply defect or deficiency of; to indemnify for. — To think good, to approve; to be pleased or satisfied with; to regard as expedient or proper.
☞ — Good, in the sense of wishing well, is much used in greeting and leave-taking; as, good day, good night, good by, and like phrases.