Tī'dings, n. pl.

n. pl. [D. tijding, L. Ger. tidung, Sw. tidning, Dan. tidende, Icel. tíðindi, pl., N. H. Ger. zeitung, from O. Eng. tiden, A-S. tidian, to happen, Eng. betide, from A-S. tid, Eng. tide.] 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.

Synonyms—News; advice; information; intelligence.—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 in the public prints; we wait for tidings respecting an absent or sick friend. We may be curious to hear the news; we are always anxious for tidings.

Evil news rides fast, while good news baits. Milton.

What tidings dost thou bring? methinks I see Unusual gladness sparkling in thy eyes. Addison.