n.

1. an authoritative direction or instruction to do something;
   command, bidding, dictation
2. an attempt to get something;
   play
   
   • they made a futile play for power
   • he made a bid to gain attention
3. a formal proposal to buy at a specified price;
   tender
4. (bridge) the number of tricks a bridge player is willing to contract to make;
   bidding

v.

1. propose a payment;
   offer, tender
   
   • The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for the painting
2. invoke upon;
   wish
   
   • wish you a nice evening
   • bid farewell
3. ask for or request earnestly;
   beseech, entreat, adjure, press, conjure
   
   • The prophet bid all people to become good persons
4. make a demand, as for a card or a suit or a show of hands;
   call
   
   • He called his trump
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;
   invite