A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1498-1599
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Behave, Behaif, v. Also: behaf, behalf; p.t. behad, behaid, behaifit, behalfed. [ME. behave (15th cent.). p.t. behad and behaved.]
1. refl. To bear, comport, conduct (oneself).(a) a1499 Contemplacioun of Synnaris 654 (as we ws now behaf). 1514 Acts Lords of Council MS. XXVI. 171 (to behaf thame as the thre estatis sall divis). 1558-66 Knox II. 376 (if sche behave not hir self as she aught to do). 1562-3 Winȝet I. 90/25 (to aduertis the peple quhou thai suld behaif thame). 1587 St. A. Kirk S. 588 (behaifing himself onreverentle).(b) a1500 Tale of the Colkelbie Sow ii. 108 (so weill he him behaid). 1531 Bell. Boece II. 46 (Vortigern behad him sa prudently). 1533 Id. Livy I. 24/31 (the more princely that he behad him in his dignite riall). 1562 Montgomery Mem. 184 (Jayne had sa behad hir self towart the Erle). 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 160 (in what maner he hes behalfed him self). 1598–9 Montgomery Mem. 243 (A. behaifit himself verie honestlie).
2. To occupy (oneself).1587 Perth Kirk S. 260.
Bessie Glass … has been … called in befor us for … not behaving herself in any good calling
