verb
oss
os
Oss (verb) means to be inclined or minded to do something; to set about doing it. Example: “He ossed to leave before the argument started.”
verb
1
To be inclined or minded to do something; to set about doing it.
"I told you to do so and so, but you dunna oss to do it."
— Bye-gones: Relating to Wales and the Border Counties (1903)
"He ossed to leave before the argument started."
2
To offer to do something.
"She ossed to help carry the boxes upstairs."
How to use oss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old, regional English dialect word meaning to offer or intend to do something.
When to use it
Dialectal and rare in modern standard English — mainly found in northern English regional speech.
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Etymology
Origin unclear; possibly connected to Old English hālsian ("to beseech, entreat"), though the sense has shifted considerably over time.
Rhymes for oss
See all rhymes for oss →Frequently asked questions
What does “oss” mean?
The word “oss” means to be inclined or minded to do something; to set about doing it. In plain terms, an old, regional English dialect word meaning to offer or intend to do something.
How do you pronounce “oss”?
“Oss” is pronounced os (/ɒs/ in IPA).
How do you use “oss” in a sentence?
Here is “oss” used in a sentence: “He ossed to leave before the argument started.”
What part of speech is “oss”?
“Oss” is a verb.
Where does the word “oss” come from?
The word “oss” comes from Old English. Origin unclear; possibly connected to Old English hālsian ("to beseech, entreat"), though the sense has shifted considerably over time.
How many meanings does “oss” have?
“Oss” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to be inclined or minded to do something; to set about doing it.
