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beseem

[bih-seem]Archaic.
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verb (used with object)
  1. to be fit for or worthy of; become: conduct that beseems a gentleman.
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verb (used without object)
  1. to be suitable or fitting.
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Origin of beseem

First recorded in 1175–1225, beseem is from the Middle English word bisemen. See be-, seem
Related formsun·be·seem·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

satisfyconformfitgratifyserveflatterpleasecorrespondenhancebecomebefitdoaccordsquaresufficetallycheckharmonizebenefitgo

Examples from the Web for beseem

Historical Examples

  • And it does not beseem the wife of a Roman noble to accept new fashions in religions.

    Balthasar

    Anatole France

  • Prithee, Jack, take no airs, for they beseem thee but very ill.

    In Convent Walls

    Emily Sarah Holt

  • How would it beseem your rank to join these who shame their sex——No, no!

  • Would it beseem an honest and shamefaced maid if I called him back to me?

  • It does not beseem you, who are educated upon the king's bounty, to speak thus.

    The Empress Josephine

    Louise Muhlbach

British Dictionary definitions for beseem

beseem

verb
  1. archaic to be suitable for; befit
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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

Word Origin and History for beseem

v.

early 13c., from be- + seem (v.). Related: Beseemed; beseeming.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper