I. ˈgōd noun
Etymology: Middle English gode, from Old English gād spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : something that pains as if by pricking : thorn
b. : something that urges or stimulates into action : spur
2. : a pointed rod used to urge on an animal
Synonyms: see motive
II. transitive verb
Date: 1579
1. : to incite or rouse as if with a goad
2. : to drive (as cattle) with a goad