Gossip \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. sabh[=a] 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. [Obs.]

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Gossip \Gos"sip\, v. t. To stand sponsor to. [Obs.]

--Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Gossip \Gos"sip\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Gossiped; p. pr. & vb. n. Gossiping.]

1. To make merry. [Obs.]

--Shak.

2. To prate; to chat; to talk much. --Shak.

3. To run about and tattle; to tell idle tales.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)