Godiva
[guh-dahy-vuh]
- Lady Godiva, died 1057, wife of Leofric. According to legend, she rode naked through the streets of Coventry, England, to win relief for the people from a burdensome tax.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for godiva
Historical Examples
On which Godiva replied: 'But will you give me permission if I am willing to do it?' '
The Science of Fairy TalesEdwin Sidney Hartland
She,” he thought to himself, “had nothing on Godiva—except a piano cover!
The Dark StarRobert W. Chambers
Miss Godiva Sleybells was as good as her word; in fact, better.
Local ColorIrvin S. Cobb
And they divined at once that she was gone to Crowland, to Godiva; but why, they could not guess.
Hereward, The Last of the EnglishCharles Kingsley
The Lady Godiva was very thankful to know that she had yet a son to protect her.
The Boy's Book of HeroesHelena Peake
Godiva
- Lady. ?1040–1080, wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to legend, she rode naked through Coventry in order to obtain remission for the townspeople from the heavy taxes imposed by her husband
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for godiva
Godiva
d.1067, Lady of Coventry and wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. Legend first recorded 100 years after her death, by Roger of Wendover. "Peeping Tom" aspect added by 1659.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper