n. & v.
n. 1 a the periodic rise and fall of the sea due to the attraction of the moon and sun (see EBB n. 1, FLOOD n. 3). b the water as affected by this. 2 a time or season (usu. in comb.: Whitsuntide). 3 a marked trend of opinion, fortune, or events.
v.intr. drift with the tide, esp. work in or out of harbour with the help of the tide. tide-mill a mill with a water-wheel driven by the tide. tide over enable or help (a person) to deal with an awkward situation, difficult period, etc. (the money will tide me over until Friday). tide-rip (or -rips) rough water caused by opposing tides. work double tides work twice the normal time, or extra hard. tideless adj.
[ OE tid f. Gmc, rel. to TIME ]