1. A familiar appellation of civility, equivalent to "My friend", "Good
sir", "Mister;" -- sometimes used ironically. [Obs.]
With you, goodman boy, an you please.
Shak.
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.
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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`-na"tured (?), a. Naturally mild in temper; not easily provoked.
Syn. -- Good-natured, Good-tempered, Good- humored. 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.
Good`-na"tured*ly, adv. With mildness of temper.
Good"ness (?), n. [AS. gdnes.] The quality of being good in any of its
various senses; excellence; virtue; kindness; benevolence; as, the
goodness of timber, of a soil, of food; goodness of character, of
disposition, of conduct, etc.
Good" now" (?). An exclamation of wonder, surprise, or entreaty. [Obs.]
Shak.
Goods (?), n. pl. See Good, n., 3.
Good"ship, n. Favor; grace. [Obs.] Gower.
Good`-tem"pered (?), a. Having a good temper; not easily vexed. See
Good-natured.
Good"wife` (?), n. The mistress of a house. [Archaic] Robynson (More's
Utopia).
Good"y (?), n.; pl. Goodies (&?;). 1. A bonbon, cake, or the like; --
usually in the pl. [Colloq.]