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.

---

bespread British  

/ bɪˈsprɛd /

verb

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

---

Etymology

Origin of bespread

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

Example Sentences

However, he expressed satisfaction with the mahogany side-board that some previous occupant had loaned from a neighbouring house; our servants had bespread it with newspapers and made a washing-table of it.

From Pushed and the Return Push by Nichols, George Herbert Fosdike

They did his bidding and carried the Youth in procession to her and he found the apartment bespread with carpets and perfumed with essences; the bride, however, was absent.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 14 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

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 Watson, William

He cries-- "Spare thou thine exiles, lightly o'er thy dead, Alive, yet buried, be thy dust bespread."

From Seekers after God by Farrar, F. W. (Frederic William)

Sad and silent our toast we bespread,    At the empty chair looked we and sighed; All insipid tea, butter, and bread,    For the salt of his wit was denied.

From Lady John Russell by