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 carpet which bespread His rich pavilion's floor.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

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

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 Howard, J. J.

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

The numerous ornaments, also, with which the hoops were bespread and decorated—the festoons—the tassels—the rich embroidery—all of a most catching and taking nature, every now and then affectionately hitched together in unpremeditated and close embrace.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 353, January 24, 1829 by Various

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)