1Scottish. The action of manuring land; (concrete) manure, dung. Compare "good". Now rare.
2The action of begging or collecting alms; specifically the custom of going round the wealthier households of a parish at Christmas time to beg for money or food, typically on either St. Thomas's day (21st December) or Boxing Day. Frequently in "to go a-gooding". Compare Gooding Day. Now English regional and historical.
Origin
Late 15th century.
Definition of gooding in US English:
gooding
nounˈɡʊdɪŋ
1Scottish. The action of manuring land; (concrete) manure, dung. Compare "good". Now rare.
2The action of begging or collecting alms; specifically the custom of going round the wealthier households of a parish at Christmas time to beg for money or food, typically on either St. Thomas's day (21st December) or Boxing Day. Frequently in "to go a-gooding". Compare Gooding Day. Now English regional and historical.