Bid v. t. [imp. Bade Bid, (Obs.) Bad; p. p. Bidden Bid; p. pr. & vb. n. Bidding.]
 1. To make an offer of; to propose. Specifically : To offer to pay ( a certain price, as for a thing put up at auction), or to take (a certain price, as for work to be done under a contract).
 2. To offer in words; to declare, as a wish, a greeting, a threat, or defiance, etc.; as, to bid one welcome; to bid good morning, farewell, etc.
    Neither bid him God speed.   --2. John 10.
    He bids defiance to the gaping crowd.   --Granrille.
 3. To proclaim; to declare publicly; to make known. [Mostly obs.] “Our banns thrice bid !”
 4. To order; to direct; to enjoin; to command.
    That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow.   --Pope
    Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee.   --Matt. xiv. 28
    I was bid to pick up shells.   --D. Jerrold.
 5. To invite; to call in; to request to come.
    As many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.   --Matt. xxii. 9
 To bid beads, to pray with beads, as the Roman Catholics; to distinguish each bead by a prayer. [Obs.]
 To bid defiance to , to defy openly; to brave.
 To bid fair, to offer a good prospect; to make fair promise; to seem likely.
 Syn: -- To offer; proffer; tender; propose; order; command; direct; charge; enjoin.