tithe

British, tythe

[tahyth]

noun

1. Sometimes tithes. the tenth part of agricultural produce or personal income set apart as an offering to God or for works of mercy, or the same amount regarded as an obligation or tax for the support of the church, priesthood, or the like.

2. any tax, levy, or the like, especially of one-tenth.

3. a tenth part or any indefinitely small part of anything.

verb (used with object)

tithed, tithing 

1. to give or pay a tithe or tenth of (produce, money, etc.).

2. to give or pay tithes on (crops, income, etc.).

3. to exact a tithe from (a person, community, parish, etc.).

4. to levy a tithe on (crops, income, etc.).

verb (used without object)

tithed, tithing 

1. to give or pay a tithe.

tithe

/ taɪð /

noun

1. (often plural) Christianity a tenth part of agricultural or other produce, personal income, or profits, contributed either voluntarily or as a tax for the support of the church or clergy or for charitable purposes

2. any levy, esp of one tenth

3. a tenth or very small part of anything

verb

1. (tr)

   1. to exact or demand a tithe or tithes from (an individual or group)

   2. to levy a tithe upon (a crop or amount of produce, etc)

2. (intr) to pay a tithe or tithes

tithe

1. A tenth part of one's annual income contributed to support the clergy or a church. The Mosaic law required the Israelites to pay a tithe for the support of worship.

Other Word Forms

• tither noun
• titheless adjective
• untithed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tithe¹

First recorded before 900; (for the noun) Middle English ti(ghe)the, Old English teogotha tenth; (for the verb) Middle English tithen, Old English teogothian “to take the tenth of,” derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tithe¹

Old English teogoth; related to Old Frisian tegotha, Old Saxon tegotho, Old High German zehando, Old Norse tīundi, Gothic taihunda

Example Sentences

And to the overly literal, I don’t mean tithing or some religious-themed amusement park or you popping out that shiny quarter to cover your entry fee into the pearly gates.

From Salon

“Sanctuaries are meant for worship, not partisan agendas and politicking. Church offering plates are meant for tithes and charity, not political contributions.”

From Salon

The Musk tithe seems characteristic of an project that so far has divulged few specific details over what would be cut, but promises to reap great personal benefits for its appointed heads.

From Salon

The premise is that, if you tithe to these preachers, they will insure that you are blessed by God, and you will yourself become wealthy.

From Salon

Some would say that pretty much describes what an agent does, save for requiring a 10% “Man of God” tip on top of the church tithing and other percentage skims that substantially reduce dancers’ earnings.

From Salon

Related Words

• contribution 
• cost 
• duty 
• expense 
• fine 
• levy 
• price 
• rate 
• tariff