bodes

Noun (1)

bode (plural bodes)

1. A feeling that something is going to happen; a premonition, a presentiment.
2. (obsolete) An indication, an omen, a sign.
   • [A]t Myræ in Lycia, vvas the fountaine of Apollo Curius, vvhere the fiſhes being three times called vvith a Pipe, aſſembled themſelues, and if they deuoured the meats giuen them, it vvas interpreted a good bode and happie preſage: if they ſtrucke avvay the ſame vvith their tailes, it vvas direfull...1613, Samuel Purchas, “[Asia.] Of Ionia and Other Countries in that Chersonesus.”, in Purchas His Pilgrimage. Or Relations of the World and the Religions Observed in All Ages and Places Discouered...

   Synonyms:

   augury, foreshadowing

3. (obsolete) A message; also, news, tidings.
   • I muſt tell you vvhat lovely Jeſus, fair Jeſus, King Jeſus hath done to my ſoul; ſometimes he ſendeth me out a ſtanding drink, and vvhiſpereth a vvord thorovv the vvall; and I am vvell content of kindneſs at the ſecond hand; his bode is ever vvelcome to me, be vvhat it vvill; […]1637 June 25 (date written; Gregorian calendar), Samuel Rutherford, “To Marion M‘Naught”, in Mr. Rutherfoord’s Letters, […], 5th edition, Edinburgh: […] Thomas Lumisden and John Robertson, […]...

Noun (2)

bode (plural bodes)

1. (Northern England, Scotland) An offer to pay a certain amount of money for something; a bid.
   • Na, na, Captain; ye're ower young and ower free o' your siller [silver]—ye should never tak a fish-wife's first bode; […]1816, [Walter Scott], chapter X, in The Antiquary. […], volume III, Edinburgh: […] James Ballantyne and Co. for Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, →OCLC, page...

Noun (3)

bode (plural bodes)

1. (obsolete except historical) A herald; a messenger.
   • [T]he fame of the Duke's coming was sent abroad by the bodes or messengers, despatched to prepare the towns through which he was to pass for an arrival sooner than expected, […]1848, [Edward Bulwer-Lytton], chapter III, in Harold, the Last of the Saxon Kings; […], 2nd edition, volume I, London: Richard Bentley, […], →OCLC, book II (Lanfranc the Scholar), page 138

Noun (4)

bode (plural bodes)

1. (Scotland, obsolete) An act of biding or waiting; a wait; also, a delay.
   • [M]ake thou thy boade, / In reſolution to reuenge theſe vvronges, / VVith bloud of thouſands guiltleſſe of this rage, / Flie thou on them amaine: […]1593, [George Peele], The Famous Chronicle of King Edward the First, […], London: […] Abell Ieffes, and are to be solde by William Barley, […], →OCLC, signature C3, recto

   Synonyms:

   tarrying

See all 16 meanings of bode