Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Goodman
Good′man
,Noun.
[
Good
+ man
] 1.
A familiar appellation of civility, equivalent to “My friend”, “Good sir”, “Mister;” – sometimes used ironically.
[Obs.]
With you,
goodman
boy, an you please. Shakespeare
2.
A husband; the master of a house or family; – often used in speaking familiarly.
[Archaic]
Chaucer.
Say ye to the
goodman
of the house, . . . Where is the guest-chamber ? Mark xiv. 14.
☞ In the early colonial records of New England, the term goodman is frequently used as a title of designation, sometimes in a respectful manner, to denote a person whose first name was not known, or when it was not desired to use that name; in this use it was nearly equivalent to
Mr.
This use was doubtless brought with the first settlers from England. Good-natured denotes a disposition to please and be pleased. Good-tempered denotes a habit of mind which is not easily ruffled by provocations or other disturbing influences. Good-humored is applied to a spirit full of ease and cheerfulness, as displayed in one’s outward deportment and in social intercourse. A good-natured man recommends himself to all by the spirit which governs him. A good-humored man recommends himself particularly as a companion. A good-tempered man is rarely betrayed into anything which can disturb the serenity of the social circle.
Webster 1828 Edition
Goodman
GOOD'MAN
,Noun.
With you, goodman boy, if you please.
1.
A rustic term of compliment; as old goodman Dobson.2.
A familiar appellation of a husband; also,the master of a family. Prov.7. Matt.24.Definition 2024
Goodman
goodman
goodman
See also: Goodman
English
Alternative forms
- gomman (dialectal)
- gudeman
Noun
goodman (plural goodmen)
- (now rare, chiefly Scotland) A familiar appellation of civility. [from 10th c.]
- (now Scotland or historical) A husband; the master of a house or family. [from 13th c.]
-
1863, Anthony Trollope, Rachel Ray:
- ‘The gudeman,—he's done with t' paper, and you'll keep it for good and all.’
-
1863, Anthony Trollope, Rachel Ray:
References
- goodman in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913