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Synonyms

beseem

American  
[bih-seem] / bɪˈsim /

verb (used with object)

  1. to be fit for or worthy of; become.

    conduct that beseems a gentleman.


verb (used without object)

  1. to be suitable or fitting.

beseem British  
/ bɪˈsiːm /

verb

  1. archaic to be suitable for; befit

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of beseem

First recorded in 1175–1225, beseem is from the Middle English word bisemen. See be-, seem

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

D. betamen to beseem, G. ziemen, Goth. gatiman, and E. tame.

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

It would ill beseem the honor of this house to turn from its threshold a suppliant who asks of you nothing save what Christian love and God's command alike enjoin upon you as a duty.

From The Romance of the Canoness A Life-History by Paul Heyse

They beseem quite normally the plainest of us all.

From Abraham Lincoln's Cardinal Traits; A Study in Ethics, with an Epilogue Addressed to Theologians by Clark S. Beardslee

"Ay, love! but here fall more drops,—more and more;—these showers are longer than beseem the April, and pertain not to the June."

From Pierre; or The Ambiguities by Herman Melville

Messire, I have no mind to assume any dispute with you; yet you must be aware that it would ill beseem any one of true knightly courage to draw aside and to give you way.

From The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions by Howard Pyle

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