Godspeed

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Used, especially at a parting, to express the wish that the outcome of a person's actions…

   Used, especially at a parting, to express the wish that the outcome of a person's actions be positive for them; typically said to someone who is about to start a journey or a daring endeavour.

   • 3 [Citizen]. Neighbours, God ſpeed. / 1 [Citizen]. Giue you good morrovv ſir.
   • Duke. God ſpeed father. / 1. Mad[man]. God ſpeed the Plough, thou ſhalt not ſpeed me.
2. 2

   The wishing of someone a smooth journey, or success, especially at a parting

   The wishing of someone a smooth journey, or success, especially at a parting; (countable) a statement expressing this.

   • Yff there come eny vnto you and brynge not this learnynge⸝ hym receave not to houſſe: nether bid hym god ſpede. For he that biddeth hym God ſpede⸝ is part taker off his evyll dedes.
   • Then Chriſtian took his leave of his Friend, and he again bid him God ſpeed.
   • Ber[inthia]. Speed her vvell. / VVor[thy]. Ay, but there muſt be more than a God ſpeed, or your Charity vvon't be vvorth a farthing.
3. 3

   Chiefly in in the Godspeed of

   Chiefly in in the Godspeed of: the most important part of something, or point at which something happens; also, the last minute or last moment.

   • But a Devil came in juſt in the God-ſpeed, and told them; Gentlemen Philoſophers, (ſays he) if you vvould knovv the VVretched'ſt, and moſt contemptible thing in the VVorld; It is an Alchymiſt: […]
   • But juſt in the Godſpeed, the Plot vvas Diſcover'd.
   • I udn't mind seeing her come in when I was in the godspeed of washday, and that's saying something.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      In back of Godspeed

      In back of Godspeed: a distant, remote, or unknown place.

      • If I don't leave you at the back of God-speed before long, I'll give you the mare and the horse too.
   2. 5

      Alternative letter-case form of Godspeed.

      • So, class of 2007, join in. And godspeed.

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