bespread

American  

[bih-spred] / bɪˈsprɛd /

verb (used with object)

bespread, bespreading

1. to spread over (a surface); cover (usually followed bywith ).

   a table bespread with fine linens.

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bespread British  

/ bɪˈsprɛd /

verb

1. (tr) to cover (a surface) with something

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Etymology

Origin of bespread

First recorded in 1350–1400, bespread is from the Middle English word bespreden. See be-, spread

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bespread bespreading

All this sudden extinction of light in the gay Ca’ Bembo, where I saw the silks bespread before your knowledge and my ignorance!

From The Brownings Their Life and Art by Lilian Whiting

For Æneas forth is led The choicest, with a tawny lion's hide, All glittering with gilded claws, bespread.

From The Æneid of Virgil Translated into English Verse by E. Fairfax Taylor by Edward Fairfax Taylor

I could wish, that after my trees haue fully possessed the soile of mine Orchard, that euery seuen yeeres at least, the soile were bespread with dung halfe a foot thicke at least.

From A New Orchard And Garden or, The best way for planting, grafting, and to make any ground good, for a rich Orchard: Particularly in the North and generally for the whole kingdome of England by William Lawson

The royal feast, And golden goblets, fill'd with Bacchus' gift, The board bespread.

From The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II by J. J. Howard

He got out the box of ointment and bespread the strips of torn handkerchief.

From The Magnetic North by Elizabeth Robins

And now he hands each a mug of steaming punch, which they welcomely receive, a glow of satisfaction bespreading his face, telling with what sincerity he gives it.

From Our World, Or, the Slaveholder's Daughter by F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams