Tithe

Pronunciation

• IPA: /taɪð/
• Rhymes: -aɪð

Origin

Old English tēoþa (Old English underwent the Ingvaeonic nasal spirant law, which resulted in the elimination of the nasal consonant from Germanic *tehunþ-). Compare Icelandic tíund.

Full definition of tithe

Noun

1. (archaic) A tenth.
2. The tenth part of the increase arising from the profits of land and stock, allotted to the clergy for their support, as in England, or devoted to religious or charitable uses. Almost all the tithes of England and Wales are commuted by law into rent charges. Concept originates in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).
3. A contribution to one's religious community or congregation of worship.
4. A small part or proportion.

Derived terms

• titheless

Adjective

1. (archaic) Tenth.
• ShakespeareEvery tithe soul, 'mongst many thousand.

Verb

1. (transitive) To collect a tithe.
2. (intransitive) To pay a tithe.
3. (transitive) To levy a tenth part on; to tax to the amount of a tenth.
• Bible, Luke xi. 42Ye tithe mint and rue.----