tithing

American  

[tahy-thing] / ˈtaɪ ðɪŋ /

noun

1. a tithe.

2. a giving or an exacting of tithes.

3. a grouping of men, originally 10 in number, for legal and security purposes in the Anglo-Saxon and Norman system of frankpledge.

4. a rural division in England, originally regarded as one tenth of a hundred, descended from this system.

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tithing British  

/ ˈtaɪðɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a tithe; tenth

   2. the exacting or paying of tithes

2. a company of ten householders in the system of frankpledge

3. a rural division, originally regarded as a tenth of a hundred

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Etymology

Origin of tithing

First recorded before 950; Middle English; Old English tigething; equivalent to tithe + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Televangelists such as Jimmy Swaggart, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, and Kenneth Copeland were preaching fire and brimstone and the importance of tithing.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2025

The church has filed for a rehearing in the appeals court, saying the church president had explained the project would be paid for through investment earnings and not tithing funds.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2023

Young adult churchgoers, whom the survey defined as between 18 and 34 years of age, are least likely to say the tithing command still applies, with only 66% affirming this.

From Washington Times • Apr. 26, 2023

After all, they help fill the collection plate and the tithing box.

From Washington Post • Oct. 25, 2022

I said, “Yes, ma’am! I’d’ve had you two of ’em, but I had to do some tithing and got jacklegged.”

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis