bespeak

[ bih-speek ]

/ bɪˈspik /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR bespeak ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), be·spoke or (Archaic) be·spake; be·spo·ken or be·spoke; be·speak·ing.

to ask for in advance: to bespeak the reader's patience.

to reserve beforehand; engage in advance; make arrangements for: to bespeak a seat in a theater.

Literary. to speak to; address.

to show; indicate: This bespeaks a kindly heart.

Obsolete. to foretell; forebode.

Nearby words

besotted, besought, bespake, bespangle, bespatter, bespeak, bespeckle, bespectacled, bespoke, bespoken, bespread

Origin of bespeak

before 900; Middle English bespeken, Old English besprecan. See be-, speak

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bespeak

I don't know a better lad in the world, and I desire to bespeak your good will for him.
VC -- A Chronicle of Castle Barfield and of the Crimea|David Christie Murray
Luckily, I had waited a sentence or two outside the door, or I should have had no clue to bespeak a continuance of the subject.
Secresy|E. (Eliza) Fenwick
At the first sound of his voice, low and subdued though it was, Miss Piper held up her finger to bespeak silence.
That Unfortunate Marriage, Vol. 1(of 3)|Frances Eleanor Trollope
I bespeak for it a place in every public and home library in the Northwest.
The Washington Historical Quarterly, Volume V, 1914|Various

There are certain little courteous observances, certain social formalities that bespeak the true lady, the true gentlemen.
Book of Etiquette|Lillian Eichler

British Dictionary definitions for bespeak

bespeak

/ (bɪˈspiːk) /

verb -speaks, -speaking, -spoke, -spoken or -spoke (tr)

to engage, request, or ask for in advance

to indicate or suggestthis act bespeaks kindness

poetic to speak to; address

archaic to foretell

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