baste
1[ beyst ]
/ beɪst /
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verb (used with object), bast·ed, bast·ing.
to sew with long, loose stitches, as in temporarily tacking together pieces of a garment while it is being made.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Origin of baste
11400–50; late Middle English basten<Anglo-French, Middle French bastir to build, baste <Germanic; compare Old High German bestan to mend, patch for *bastian to bring together with bast thread or string (bastbast + -i- v. suffix + -an infinitive suffix)
Definition for baste (2 of 3)
baste2
[ beyst ]
/ beɪst /
verb (used with object), bast·ed, bast·ing.
to moisten (meat or other food) while cooking, with drippings, butter, etc.
noun
liquid used to moisten and flavor food during cooking: a baste of sherry and pan juices.
Origin of baste
21425–75; late Middle English basten, of obscure origin
Definition for baste (3 of 3)
baste3
[ beyst ]
/ beɪst /
verb (used with object), bast·ed, bast·ing.
to beat with a stick; thrash; cudgel.
to denounce or scold vigorously: an editorial basting the candidate for irresponsible statements.
Origin of baste
31525–35; variant of baist, perhaps <Old Norse beysta to beat, thrash
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for baste
British Dictionary definitions for baste (1 of 3)
baste1
/ (beɪst) /
verb
(tr) to sew with loose temporary stitches
Word Origin for baste
C14: from Old French bastir to build, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German besten to sew with bast
British Dictionary definitions for baste (2 of 3)
baste2
/ (beɪst) /
verb
to moisten (meat) during cooking with hot fat and the juices produced
Word Origin for baste
C15: of uncertain origin
British Dictionary definitions for baste (3 of 3)
baste3
/ (beɪst) /
verb
(tr) to beat thoroughly; thrash
Word Origin for baste
C16: probably from Old Norse beysta
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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