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

A moment later the hot-water bag reached the floor in as noiseless a manner as that previously adopted by the remains of the little pill, and Penrod once more bespread his soul with poppies.

From Penrod and Sam by Tarkington, Booth

The proportions of his frame had enlarged from the compact strength of earlier manhood, the clear paleness of his cheek was bespread with a hectic and deceitful glow.

From Rienzi, Last of the Roman Tribunes by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron

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)

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

A little cold sweat bespread his brow just then.

From The Adventures of My Cousin Smooth by Templeton, Timothy

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)