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befang. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
befang, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
befang in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
befang you have here. The definition of the word
befang will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
befang, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Middle English befon (past participle befangen), from Old English befōn (“to surround, clasp, include, envelop, encase, clothe, comprehend, seize, attack (at law), lay hold of, catch, ensnare, contain, receive, conceive, explain”), equivalent to be- + fang. Cognate with Dutch bevangen (“to seize”), Middle High German bevāhen (“to comprehend”).
Pronunciation
Verb
befang (third-person singular simple present befangs, present participle befanging, simple past and past participle befanged)
- (transitive, UK dialectal, Yorkshire) To lay hold on; seize; grasp; catch; clutch.
Come here an' I'll befang thee!
- (intransitive, obsolete) To take hold on; begin or commence upon.
- (transitive, obsolete) To encompass; enclose; contain; comprehend.
References