Gos″sip (?), n. [OE. gossib, godsib, a relation or sponsor in baptism, a relation by a religious obligation, AS. godsibb, fr. god + sib alliance, relation; akin to G. sippe, Goth. sibja, and also to Skr. sabhā assembly.]
1. A sponsor; a godfather or a godmother.
Should a great lady that was invited to be a gossip, in her place send her kitchen maid, 't would be ill taken. Selden.
2. A friend or comrade; a companion; a familiar and customary acquaintance.
My noble gossips, ye have been too prodigal. Shak.
3. One who runs house to house, tattling and telling news; an idle tattler.
The common chat of gossips when they meet. Dryden.
4. The tattle of a gossip; groundless rumor.
Bubbles o'er like a city with gossip, scandal, and spite. Tennyson.