adj., n., & v.
adj. (tidier, tidiest) 1 neat, orderly; methodically arranged. 2 (of a person) methodically inclined. 3 colloq. considerable (it cost a tidy sum).
n. (pl. -ies) 1 a receptacle for holding small objects or waste scraps, esp. in a kitchen sink. 2 an act or spell of tidying. 3 esp. US a detachable ornamental cover for a chair-back etc.
v.tr. (-ies, -ied) (also absol.; often foll. by up) put in good order; make (oneself, a room, etc.) tidy. tidily adv. tidiness n.
[ ME, = timely etc., f. TIDE + -Y(1) ]