Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BESET, v. impers.
1. To touch (in 1925 quot., with a painful effect). Now obs. in St.Eng.Abd. 1925 in Greig and Keith Last Leaves 266:
For it wad beset me very sore That anither woman should get thee.
2. To befit, become. Obs. in Eng. Clc. 1850 J. Crawford Doric Lays 66:
Haud doun your han's, it ill besets The bairn to break her grannie's spec's.
