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.

---

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

---

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

According to the affidavit, Jiang had been a member of the church since April and had given the church a donation of more than $450 in June as part of a tithing challenge.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

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

This commandment commenced a practice of tithing that still exists today, though it has been interpreted in different ways over the years.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2023

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