misbecome

American  

[mis-bi-kuhm] / ˌmɪs bɪˈkʌm /

verb (used with object)

misbecame, misbecome, misbecoming

1. to be unsuitable, unbecoming, or unfit for.

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misbecome British  

/ ˌmɪsbɪˈkʌm /

verb

1. (tr) to be unbecoming to or unsuitable for

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Etymology

Origin of misbecome

First recorded in 1520–30; mis- ¹ + become

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

misbecome misbecame misbecoming

At forty she would not misbecome the marble.

From Woman in the Ninteenth Century and Kindred Papers Relating to the Sphere, Condition and Duties, of Woman. by Margaret Fuller

The broad collar of his exquisitely plaited shirt, though tied round with a wide black ribbon, did not conceal a neck which agreed well with his beardless chin, and would not have misbecome a woman.

From Vivian Grey by Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield

However, I am already old enough to acquit myself honestly and courteously to my friends and relations, and to encourage no reports of your mistress which would misbecome a queen and her kinswoman.

From The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part D. From Elizabeth to James I. by David Hume

His probity, his correctness in private life, his decency of deportment, and his general ability, would not have misbecome a colleague of Walsingham and Burleigh.

From Critical and Historical Essays — Volume 1 by Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron Macaulay

Scorn and defiance; slight regard, contempt, And any thing that may not misbecome The mighty sender, doth he prize you at.

From King Henry the Fifth Arranged for Representation at the Princess's Theatre by Charles John Kean

Thou didst what deed that misbecame thy life?

From The Seven Plays in English Verse by Sophocles

But having acquired it she discovered herself to be too tall and too broad for it, so that it misbecame her mightily.

From The Great Captain: A Story of the Days of Sir Walter Raleigh by Katharine Tynan

So the heart of the Marquis was hardened, and he was strengthened to do that which misbecame him both as a gentleman and a landlord.

From The Vicar of Bullhampton by Anthony Trollope

If ladies prefer what is ugly and misbecoming, the dressmakers have to make it.

From Routledge's Manual of Etiquette by George Routledge

There is something misbecoming a man in the bloom of youth, and labouring under no natural disadvantages and infirmities, in the subsisting in any manner upon the bounty of another.

From Italian Letters, Vols. I and II The History of the Count de St. Julian by William Godwin

Nought misbecoming to thyself or sire Doest thou or speak’st, befriending a good man.

From The Seven Plays in English Verse by Sophocles

Is there any thing misbecoming or ungentle about me?

From The Satyricon of Petronius Arbiter by William Burnaby

For to have apologized to every one had been too servile and misbecoming the dignity of his person; whereas equally to have neglected every one had been an act of insolence and imprudence.

From Complete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and Miscellanies by Plutarch