\Ti"dings\, n. pl. [OE. tidinge, ti?inge, tidinde, from
or influenced by Icel. t[=i]?indi; akin to Dan. tidende, Sw.
tidning, G. zeung, AS. t[=i]dan to happen, E. betide, tide.
See {Tide}, v. i. & n.]
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.
Note: 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.
            Now near the tidings of our comfort is. --Shak.
            Tidings to the contrary Are brought your eyes.
                                               --Shak.
Syn: News; advice; information; intelligence.
Usage: {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.
             Evil news rides post, while good news baits.
                                               --Milton.
             What tidings dost thou bring?     --Addison.