E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bidding-Prayer.
The prayer for the souls of benefactors said before the sermon; a relic of this remains in the prayer used in cathedrals, university churches, etc. Bidding is from bead or bede. (Anglo-Saxon, biddan, to pray for the souls of benefactors.) (See BEADSMAN.)
