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

But, beshrew me, you are very strangely attired—in a suit of sable velvet, with a black Spanish hat and feather, for a festival!

From The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest by Ainsworth, William Harrison

"I have outwitted a whole household," he thought to himself; "beshrew me if I cannot tackle one man, even although it be Johnie Armstrong."

From Tales From Scottish Ballads by Stewart, Allan

The cackling and talking has come to naught, as it mostly does," said he grunting to himself; "but beshrew me if I like a bootless errand.

From The Last of the Vikings by Bowling, John

And now he's angered, and beshrew me if I could not find it in my heart to wish Priscilla had said him yea, rather than nay.

From Standish of Standish A story of the Pilgrims by Austin, Jane G. (Jane Goodwin)

That mask of disinterestedness and patriotism," said La Tour, scornfully, "is well assumed; but, beshrew me! if it does not hide some dark and selfish purpose.

From The Rivals of Acadia An Old Story of the New World by Cheney, Harriet Vaughan