beseem

[bih-seem]Archaic.

See more synonyms for beseem on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to be fit for or worthy of; become: conduct that beseems a gentleman.

verb (used without object)

to be suitable or fitting.

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 for beseeming

satisfy, conform, fit, gratify, serve, flatter, please, correspond, enhance, become, befit, conforming, right, becoming, fitting, correct, beseeming, do, accord, square

Examples from the Web for beseeming

Historical Examples of beseeming

Tressilian appeared, and made a low and beseeming reference.
Kenilworth
Sir Walter Scott
The body had been prepared for burial in a beseeming suit of black.
The Case of the Registered Letter
Augusta Groner
It was like a masquerade of rank and culture in the rags of misery, beseeming it as ill as an unsuitable part in a play.
Footsteps of Fate
Louis Couperus
Time would come when M'tela would ceremoniously bring in his real present--assuredly magnificent as beseeming his power.
The Leopard Woman
Stewart Edward White
And made Verona's ancient citizensCast by their grave, beseeming ornaments,To wield old partisans.
Seeing Europe with Famous Authors, Vol VIII
Various

British Dictionary definitions for beseeming

beseem

verb

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

Word Origin and History for beseeming

adj.

1520s, present participle adjective from beseem.

beseem

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