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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 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.

  • 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.

British Dictionary definitions for beseeming

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 beseeming

adj.

1520s, present participle adjective from beseem.

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beseem

v.

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

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper