Speed, v. t. 1. To cause to be successful, or to prosper; hence, to aid; to favor. “Fortune speed us!” Shak.
With rising gales that speed their happy flight. Dryden.
2. To cause to make haste; to dispatch with celerity; to drive at full speed; hence, to hasten; to hurry.
He sped him thence home to his habitation. Fairfax.
3. To hasten to a conclusion; to expedite.
Judicial acts... are sped in open court at the instance of one or both of the parties. Ayliffe.
4. To hurry to destruction; to put an end to; to ruin; to undo. “Sped with spavins.” Shak.
A dire dilemma! either way I 'm sped.
If foes, they write, if friends, they read, me dead. Pope.
5. To wish success or god fortune to, in any undertaking, especially in setting out upon a journey.
Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest. Pope.
God speed you, them, etc., may God speed you; or, may you have good speed.
Syn. — To dispatch; hasten; expedite; accelerate; hurry.