Middle English ned, from Old English nīed, nēd; akin to Old High German nōt distress, need, Old Prussian nautin need
Date:
before 12th century
1: necessary duty :obligation2 a: a lack of something requisite, desirable, or usefulb: a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism3: a condition requiring supply or relief4: lack of the means of subsistence :poverty