The spelling of the word "doth bidding" can be slightly confusing for those unfamiliar with Shakespearean language. It is pronounced as /dʌθ ˈbɪdɪŋ/ and means "does the bidding". The archaic word "doth" is used in place of "does", which was more commonly used in modern English. The word "bidding" refers to a command or request. Together, the phrase means "carrying out someone's orders". While this spelling may seem strange, it is a common feature of Shakespeare's works and adds to the poetic language of his plays.
"Doth bidding" is a phrase derived from the verb "do" and the noun "bidding," which holds historical usage in English literature. The word "doth" is an archaic form of the third-person singular present tense of the verb "do." "Bidding" refers to a command, request, or instruction given to someone.
When used together, "doth bidding" signifies that a person is obediently carrying out or fulfilling someone else's orders or commands. It implies an act of compliance, obedience, or submission to authority. The phrase holds a sense of duty or obligation, often depicted in historical texts or poetic works.
In literary and theatrical contexts, "doth bidding" helps to establish the relationship dynamics between characters, particularly when emphasizing servitude, loyalty, or the hierarchy within a social or hierarchal structure.
The combination of "doth" and "bidding" can also carry an undertone of formality or antiquity, as it echoes an older form of the English language. This phrase was more prevalent in the past before language evolved, and its usage has gradually diminished over time. As a result, encountering "doth bidding" in contemporary language would generally be within a historical or stylistic context.
Overall, "doth bidding" refers to the act of faithfully carrying out another person's commands, emphasizing obedience and subservience to authority.
The phrase "doth bidding" is a combination of two words: "doth" and "bidding".
The word "doth" is the archaic third person singular form of the verb "do" in Early Modern English. It was commonly used in the period from the 16th to the 17th century. "Doth" is derived from the Old English word "dōþ" which also meant "does" or "performs".
The word "bidding" is the present participle of the verb "bid". In this context, it refers to a command, order, or request. "Bidding" comes from the Old English verb "biddan", meaning "to ask" or "to command".
When combined, the phrase "doth bidding" means "does the command" or "performs the request".