Godsib
/ˈɡɒd.sɪb/noun
A godparent or sponsor at baptism, especially in older English usage.
Did you know?The word eventually helped produce “gossip”: a godsib was originally a baptismal sponsor, but the term later broadened to mean a close companion—and eventually a person who shared rumors.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Germanic
*gudą + *sibjō
“God or deity + kinship, relationship”
Old English
Old English
godsibb
“A baptismal sponsor or spiritual relative”
Middle English
Middle English
godsibbe
“A godparent, godchild, or fellow sponsor”
14th Century
English
gossip
“A close acquaintance or companion, especially one present at a birth or baptism”
16th Century
English
gossip
“A person—often a woman—who engages in idle talk or rumor”
Modern English
English
gossip
“Rumors or informal talk about other people”