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. sabha 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.
© Webster 1913.
Gos"sip, v. t.
To stand sponsor to.
[Obs.]
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.