bechance

[bih-chans, -chahns]

verb (used with or without object)

Archaic.

bechanced, bechancing 

1. to befall.

bechance

/ bɪˈtʃɑːns /

verb

1. archaic,  (intr) to happen (to)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bechance¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from phrase by chance

Example Sentences

Mon General, I must ask of you to take a small body of picked men, and ride forth towards Blois, and see what bechances there.

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I cannot forget one passage that behappened me heir: bechance to supper I demanded give he could give me a pullet, he promises me it.

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According to text and scripture, now I relate a certain adventure, which bechanced in the realm of Brittany, in days long gone before.

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My sons—God knows what hath bechanced them; But this I know,—they have demean'd themselves Like men born to renown by life or death.

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Related Words

• ensue 
• materialize 
• transpire 

When To Use

What does bechance mean?

Bechance is an archaic word meaning to happen to (someone) or to occur, especially by fate or chance.When a word is labeled as archaic in a dictionary, it means that it was commonly used in an earlier time but is rare in present-day usage (except when used to mimic an older style, such as in a historical novel).Bechance can be used with an object (as in troubles will bechance you) or without an object (as in I cannot explain the events that bechanced).Example: He feared that misfortune would bechance him if he stayed in the city, so he fled to the country in hopes of a change.