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

The greater part of my way lay near the sea shore, which was bespread with the wrecks of vessels.

From Lachesis Lapponica A Tour in Lapland, Volume 1 by Linn?, Carl von

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

Rushing out of their house, they saw the heavens bespread with an awful pall of smoke, the under-side of which was glowing with the reflected fires of some vast furnace.

From The Cruise of the Cachalot Round the World After Sperm Whales by Bullen, Frank T.

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 Taylor, Edward Fairfax

Perhaps as many as three pages of this copy-book were bespread with her specimens before she discovered that botany was a dry study.

From Young Folks Treasury, Volume 3 (of 12) Classic Tales and Old-Fashioned Stories by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

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 Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn)