betook

[ bih-too k ]

/ bɪˈtʊk /

verb

simple past tense of betake.

Nearby words

betimes, betjeman, betjeman, sir john, betoken, betony, betook, betray, betrayal, betroth, betrothal, betrothed

Definition for betook (2 of 2)

betake

[ bih-teyk ]

/ bɪˈteɪk /

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for betook

The next day she betook herself by water to the Tower, and received the homage offered her.
A History of England Principally in the Seventeenth Century, Volume I (of 6)|Leopold von Ranke
On Friday he betook himself to the church, and read certain passages of his sermon from the pulpit.
The Son of a Servant|August Strindberg
The mistress then betook herself to the top, and planted herself where she could see far around without being observed.
Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland|Various
The king had no heart to hearken longer, but betook him straightway to his bed; cause enow had he for woe, or so it seemed him!
Sir Gawain and the Lady of Lys|Anonymous

The unwelcome truth cost him his place, and he betook himself to Bologna, where he publicly taught his science.
A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume III|Henry Charles Lea

British Dictionary definitions for betook (1 of 2)

betook

/ (bɪˈtʊk) /

verb

the past tense of betake

British Dictionary definitions for betook (2 of 2)

betake

/ (bɪˈteɪk) /

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