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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—B

Bid

To bid fair. To seem likely: as “He bids fair to do well;” “It bids fair to be a fine day.” (Anglo-Saxon, bédan or beódan, to promise, to offer.)

To bid for
[votes]. To promise to support in Parliament certain measures, in order to obtain votes. To bid against one. To offer or promise a higher price for an article at auction.

I bid him defiance.
I offer him defiance; I defy him.

Bid

I bid you good night. I wish you good night, or I pray that you may have a good night. This is the Anglo-Saxon biddan, to ask, pray, or intreat. Whence “beads-men” (q.v.), “bidding prayer” (q.v.). “Bid him welcome.”

“Neither bid him God-speed.”- 2 John 10, 11.

To bid the [marriage] banns.
To ask if anyone objects to the marriage of the persons named. “Si quis” (q.v.).

To bid to the wedding.
In the New Testament is to ask to the wedding feast.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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