bespread

American  

[bih-spred] / bɪˈsprɛd /

verb (used with object)

bespread, bespreading

1. to spread over (a surface); cover (usually followed bywith ).

   a table bespread with fine linens.

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bespread British  

/ bɪˈsprɛd /

verb

1. (tr) to cover (a surface) with something

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Etymology

Origin of bespread

First recorded in 1350–1400, bespread is from the Middle English word bespreden. See be-, spread

Example Sentences

Perhaps as many as three pages of this copy-book were bespread with her specimens before she discovered that botany was a dry study.

From Young Folks Treasury, Volume 3 (of 12) Classic Tales and Old-Fashioned Stories by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

The carpet which bespread His rich pavilion's floor.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

He got out the box of ointment and bespread the strips of torn handkerchief.

From The Magnetic North by Robins, Elizabeth

Sad and silent our toast we bespread,    At the empty chair looked we and sighed; All insipid tea, butter, and bread,    For the salt of his wit was denied.

From Lady John Russell by

They did his bidding and carried the Youth in procession to her and he found the apartment bespread with carpets and perfumed with essences; the bride, however, was absent.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 14 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir