GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found one definition

1.       
   Tidings , n. pl. [OE. tidinge, tiinge, tidinde, from or influenced by Icel. tīindi; akin to Dan. tidende, Sw. tidning, G. zeung, AS. tīdan to happen, E. betide, tide. See Tide, v. i. & n.] Account of what has taken place, and was not before known; news.
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   I shall make my master glad with these tidings.
   Shak.
   
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   Full well the busy whisper, circling round,
   Conveyed the dismal tidings when he frowned.
   Goldsmith.
   
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   ☞ Although tidings is plural in form, it has been used also as a singular. By Shakespeare it was used indiscriminately as a singular or plural.
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   Now near the tidings of our comfort is.
   Shak.
   
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   Tidings to the contrary
   Are brought your eyes.
   Shak.
   
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   Syn. -- 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; we wait for tidings respecting an absent friend or an impending battle. We may be curious to hear the news; we are always anxious for tidings.
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   Evil news rides post, while good news baits.
   Milton.
   
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   What tidings dost thou bring?
   Addison.
   
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