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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bespread bespreading

Over his death hath sprung to life that curious fabric of living generosity, so ready to bespread a grave with unneeded bounties,—so emblematic of how many false mourners hath the dead.

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

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

From The Magnetic North by Elizabeth Robins

Upon either hand Were hills green-browed and mist-engarlanded, And all about their feet were woods bespread, Hoarding the cool and leafy silentness In many an unsunned hollow and hid recess.

From The Poems of William Watson by William Watson

An' the groun' wi' the sticks wer bespread, Zome a-cut off alive, an' zome dead.

From Poems of Rural Life in the Dorset Dialect by William Barnes

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

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

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