E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Good-bye.
A contraction of God be with you. Similar to the French adieu, which is à Dieu (I commend you to God).
1
Some object to the substitution of “God” in this phrase, reminding us of our common phrases good day, good night, good morning, good evening;
“Good be with ye” would mean may you fare well, or good abide [with you]
Some object to the substitution of “God” in this phrase, reminding us of our common phrases good day, good night, good morning, good evening;
“Good be with ye” would mean may you fare well, or good abide [with you]
