bid
     n 1: an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
          [syn: {command}, {bidding}, {dictation}]
     2: an attempt to get something; "they made a futile play for
        power"; "he made a bid to gain attention" [syn: {play}]
     3: a formal proposal to buy at a specified price [syn: {tender}]
     4: (bridge) the number of tricks a bridge player is willing to
        contract to make [syn: {bidding}]
     v 1: propose a payment; "The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for
          the painting" [syn: {offer}, {tender}]
     2: invoke upon; "wish you a nice evening"; "bid farewell" [syn:
         {wish}]
     3: ask for or request earnestly; "The prophet bid all people to
        become good persons" [syn: {beseech}, {entreat}, {adjure},
         {press}, {conjure}]
     4: make a demand, as for a card or a suit or a show of hands;
        "He called his trump" [syn: {call}]
     5: make a serious effort to attain something; "His campaign bid
        for the attention of the poor population"
     6: ask someone in a friendly way to do something [syn: {invite}]
     [also: {bidding}, {bidden}, {bade}]