betake

[bih-teyk]

verb (used with object), be·took, be·tak·en, be·tak·ing.

to cause to go (usually used reflexively): She betook herself to town.
Archaic. to resort or have recourse to.

Origin of betake

First recorded in 1175–1225, betake is from the Middle English word bitaken. See be-, take

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for betake

Historical Examples of betake

She knew at once that she must betake her to the Truth for refuge.
Weighed and Wanting
George MacDonald
All that he need do was to put on his hat and betake himself to his usual diversions.
Fruitfulness
Emile Zola
When thou arisest I also arise; when thou settest I also betake myself to rest.
History of Religion
Allan Menzies
He was compelled to lay it aside, and betake himself to a stroll and a pipe.
David Elginbrod
George MacDonald
For a while after my reception, I proposed to betake myself to some secular calling.
Apologia Pro Vita Sua
John Henry Cardinal Newman

British Dictionary definitions for betake

betake

verb -takes, -taking, -took or -taken (tr)

betake oneself to go; move
archaic to apply (oneself) to

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for betake

c.1200, from be- + take. Related: Betook; betaken.