riddance
nounUK /ˈɹɪd(ə)n(t)s/ · US /ˈɹɪdn̩(t)s/
Etymology Apparently an alteration of earlier Middle English riddeings, ryddyngs, reddyngs (“clearings, clearances”), plural of riddyng, riddynge, rudyng (“clearing away, removal”), partially continuing Old English hryding (“a clearing, cleared land”), by surface analysis, rid + -ance.
1
An act of ridding, clearance, or removal; elimination.
- A gentle riddance. Draw the curtains, go. Let all of his complexion choose me so.c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene vii]:
- And this kind of riddance is the most pleasant to listen to of all2005, Plato, translated by Lesley Brown, Sophist, page 230c:
2
Deliverance, release, setting free; a relief involving getting rid of something.
3
The earth thrown up by a burrowing animal.
- Derived terms
- good riddance, good riddance to bad rubbish