I. ˈgäs-pəl noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gōdspel (translation of Late Latin evangelium ), from gōd good + spell tale — more at spell
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. often capitalized : the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation
b. capitalized : one of the first four New Testament books telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ ; also : a similar apocryphal book
c. : an interpretation of the Christian message
the social gospel
2. capitalized : a lection from one of the New Testament Gospels
3. : the message or teachings of a religious teacher
4. : something accepted or promoted as infallible truth or as a guiding principle or doctrine
took her words as gospel
spreading the gospel of conservation — R. M. Hodesh
5. : gospel music
• gos·pel·ly ˈgäs-pə-lē adjective
II. adjective
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : having a basis in or being in accordance with the gospel : evangelical
ordained to the gospel ministry — Christian Century
b. : marked by special or fervid emphasis on the gospel
a gospel meeting
2. : of, relating to, or being religious songs of American origin associated with evangelism and popular devotion and marked by simple melody and harmony and elements of folk songs and blues