behove

[ bih-hohv ]

verb (used with or without object)

, Chiefly British.

, be·hoved, be·hov·ing.

1. a variant of behoove.

behove

/ bɪˈhəʊv; bɪˈhuːv /

verb

1. archaic.
   tr; impersonal to be necessary or fitting for

   it behoves me to arrest you

Word History and Origins

Origin of behove¹

Old English behōfian ; related to Middle Low German behōven

Example Sentences

The obligation of such, therefore, even as those of the covenants specified, behove to continue.

From Project Gutenberg

The very mode in which it would behove her to dress herself to go out to an ordinary dinner party, was almost unknown to her.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cid replied, that it would ill behove him to counsel his sovereign to contradict the will of the late King.

From Project Gutenberg

It will behove me, perhaps, to apply to that dear uncle, if a proper occasion offer.

From Project Gutenberg

If he goes to these kinsfolk, as I believe it will be well for him to do, it will behove him to go right humbly and reverently.

From Project Gutenberg