Tithe
/taɪð/noun
A tenth part of something, paid as a contribution to a religious organization or for charitable purposes.
Did you know?In medieval times, failing to pay your tithe could lead to excommunication, a fate believed to condemn you to eternal damnation!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*tehuną
“to take or give a tenth part.”
Old English
OE
titha
“a tenth part or contribution.”
Middle English
ME
tithe
“a payment of one-tenth of one's income.”
14th Century
English
tithe
“the act of giving a tenth of agricultural produce or income.”
Modern English
English
tithe
“a formal contribution to religious institutions, often mandated by law.”