† ˈgossipship Obs.
[f. gossip n. + -ship.]
The mutual relation of gossips. Also, the personality of a gossip or sponsor (used as a mock-title). (Cf. gossipred 1.)
| 1572 Huloet (ed. Higins), Gosshishippe at a Christening, lustrica cognatio. 1591 Percivall Sp. Dict., Compadrazgo, gossipship, Compaternitas. 1596 Nashe Saffron Walden Wks. (Grosart) III. 203 A whole penny-worth of paper, which his Gossipship, that hath the naming of the child, dubs the Encomium of the Foxe. 1651 Howell Surv. Venice 188 (bis) To the end that this Goshipship shold no way be a bar or impediment among the Gentlewomen in matter of Mariage. 1677 W. Hughes Man of Sin ii. x. 175 Such as were born after such Gossipship was contracted. |