Godwardsadv.
/ˈɡɒdwədz/, U.S. /ˈɡɑdwərdz/ = Godward adv. Originally in †to Godwards.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > [adverb] > towards God
Godwarda1300
Godwards1550
1550 R. Sherry tr. Erasmus Declam. Chyldren in Treat. Schemes & Tropes sig. H.viiv He is naught to godwards [L. impius in deum], of whom he hath receyued a chylde for thys purpose, to brynge hym vp to vertue.
c1560 R. Morice in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) 25 Manifest blasphemy to Godwards.
1647 J. Howell New Vol. of Lett. 44 What the eye of a batt is to the sun, the same is all humane understanding to Godwards.
1700 O. Heywood Gen. Assembly vi. 53 As all Creatures move to their center, so doth the sincere Soul God-wards.
1758 S. Hayward Seventeen Serm. 1 But they never enquire into their state God-wards.
1839 P. J. Bailey Festus 112 Any heart, turned Godwards, feels more joy In one short hour of prayer [etc.].
a1853 F. W. Robertson Serm. (1857) 3rd Ser. ii. 23 When we speak of the Church we generally mean a society to aid men in their progress God-wards.
1939 Bks. Abroad 13 292 Indians regard Tagore's poetry as..beautifully polished literature, but not the best instrument for lifting them Godwards.
1990 Jrnl. Relig. in Afr. 20 203 Like praying, which is directed Godwards.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adv.1550