beshrew

American  

[bih-shroo] / bɪˈʃru /

verb (used with object)

Archaic.

1. to curse; invoke evil upon.

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beshrew British  

/ bɪˈʃruː /

verb

1. archaic (tr) to wish evil on; curse (used in mild oaths such as beshrew me )

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Etymology

Origin of beshrew

First recorded in 1275–1325, beshrew is from the Middle English word beshrewen. See be-, shrew ¹

Example Sentences

"And, beshrew me, that's enough for any man"; and the Lord of Haddon reverently crossed himself to show that the trial had had the approval of his conscience.

From Heiress of Haddon by Doubleday, William E.

Chaucer has the verb shrew = to curse; the current verb is beshrew.

From Milton's Comus by Bell, William

"Ay, true enough," said the lady, "he has not supped; for we were but just sitting down to table to sup, when, beshrew thee, thou madest thy appearance."

From The Decameron, Volume II by Rigg, J. M. (James Macmullen)

"Nay, beshrew thee, man!" exclaimed John, the Smith, to Thomas the Jones—a contraction of joiner.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 98, March 1, 1890 by Various

If older ears enjoy such ravishment, I'm not so old, beshrew me, potent Duke, But I can wake at true-love's bidding! duke.

From The Legendary and Poetical Remains of John Roby author of 'Traditions of Lancashire', with a sketch of his literary life and character by Roby, John