A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Behove, n. Also: behowe (beowe), behoue, behoove, behuve (? behive). [ME. (and e.m.E.) behove, early ME. bihove, bihofe, OE. *behófe, dat. of *behóf Behufe n.] Behoof. (Cf. Behufen.)In common use after 1570.a1400 Leg. S. xxxii. 260.
The sufferand helpe for his beowe [: prowe = prove] 1440 Acts II. 55/2.
The Castel … to be kepit … to the kingis behuve 1456 Hay I. 117/30.
That all vertu … pertenis to the saule behove Ib. II. 11/28.
Maist hable to mannis service and behove a1578 Pitsc. II. 295/12.
He … wald keip the samyn [castell] to the quenis behowe 1592 Acts III. 574/2.
To his awin vse and behove 1617 Melrose P. 302.
To your behowe, vtilitie and proffeitt 1622 Conv. Burghs III. 129.
Inhibiting the factouris … from tredding … to thair owne behoove 1656 Rec. Marischal Coll. I. 215.
For the vse and behowe of the saidis ten scholleris 1670 Aberd. B. Rec. IV. 670.
For the behoove of the haill remanent skippers 1696 Corshill Baron-Ct. 192.
To mak payment … to the behove of William and Bessie Smithes bairnes
