beshrew
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Etymology
Origin of beshrew
First recorded in 1275–1325, beshrew is from the Middle English word beshrewen. See be-, shrew 1
Explanation
To beshrew is to invoke a curse on someone. Horrified at discovering an empty baking pan, you might yell, "Beshrew all of you who ate my brownies!" The verb beshrew is so old fashioned that you're most likely to discover it in a play or poem by Shakespeare, who used it frequently. When the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet says, "Beshrew your heart for sending me about, to catch my death with jaunting up and down!", what she means is "Curse you for making me run around so much!" Beshrew comes from shrew, an animal believed to have a poisonous bite.
Vocabulary lists containing beshrew
"The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," Vocabulary from Act 2
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"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I have heard talk here, there, at the court even, else, beshrew me, if I had come this way to-day!
From Sir Mortimer by Mary Johnston
There's the wine, an it's not better than your temper, beshrew me for the enemy of true hospitality.
From Under the Rose by Frederic Stewart Isham
Were it not that I fear the Dane, beshrew me if I would ask aught better than to dwell therein.”
From A Maid at King Alfred?s Court by Lucy Foster Madison
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 John Roby
Your pardon," said Mohi, "for beshrew me, they are not yet all cut.
From Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II by Herman Melville
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
