riddance
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈɹɪd(ə)n(t)s//
- United States//ˈɹɪdn̩(t)s//
An act of ridding, clearance, or removal; elimination.
noun
- 1
An act of ridding, clearance, or removal; elimination.
A gentle riddance. Draw the curtains, go. Let all of his complexion choose me so.
And this kind of riddance is the most pleasant to listen to of all
- 2
Deliverance, release, setting free; a relief involving getting rid of something.
- 3
The earth thrown up by a burrowing animal.
Etymology
Apparently an alteration of earlier Middle English riddeings, ryddyngs, reddyngs (“clearings, clearances”), plural of riddyng, riddynge, rudyng (“clearing away, removal”), partially continuing Old English hryding (“a clearing, cleared land”), by surface analysis, rid + -ance.
Forms
- plural
- riddances
Ricky · A diminutive of the male given name Richard.Rico · A diminutive of the male given names Ricardo, Federico, or…rid · Followed by of: to free (oneself or someone, or a place) from…
riddance · An act of ridding, clearance, or removal; elimination.
ridden · Full of.riddle · A verbal puzzle, mystery, or other problem of an intellectual…Riddle · A surname.