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talebearer

noun

No English definition recorded for this entry.

L329011 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

noun

Etymology: From Middle English taleberer; equivalent to tale + bearer.

  1. An indiscreet person who spreads gossip or blame.

    "To speak the truth when my lady commands me," answered the prudential major-domo, "is in some measure my duty, Mistress Lilias; always providing for and excepting those cases in which it cannot be spoken without breeding mischief and inconvenience to myself or my fellow-servants; for the tongue of a tale-bearer breaketh bones as well as Jeddart-staff."

    There is always some thoughtless talebearer ready to gather up the arrows of gossip and thrust them into the quivering heart of the victim.