n.1 the teaching or revelation of Christ.
2 (Gospel) a the record of Christ's life and teaching in the first four books of the New Testament. b each of these books. c a portion from one of them read at a service.
3 a thing regarded as absolutely true (take my word as gospel).
4 a principle one acts on or advocates.
5 (in full gospel music) Black American evangelical religious singing.
Phrases and idioms:
Gospel side the north side of the altar, at which the Gospel is read. gospel truth something as true as the Gospel.
Etymology: OE godspel (as GOOD, spel news, SPELL(1)), rendering eccl.L bona annuntiatio, bonus nuntius evangelium EVANGEL: assoc. with GOD