misbecome

American  

[mis-bi-kuhm] / ˌmɪs bɪˈkʌm /

verb (used with object)

misbecame, misbecome, misbecoming

1. to be unsuitable, unbecoming, or unfit for.

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misbecome British  

/ ˌmɪsbɪˈkʌm /

verb

1. (tr) to be unbecoming to or unsuitable for

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Etymology

Origin of misbecome

First recorded in 1520–30; mis- ¹ + become

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

misbecome misbecame misbecoming

A tea-service which would not have misbecome Eleanor's own drawing-room stood in readiness.

From The Emancipated by George Gissing

The inhabitants of this island, in form and face, do not misbecome the clime and the country.

From The Voyage of Captain Popanilla by Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield

He said in a low voice, "I trust, madam, that I will do naught that may misbecome a gentleman."

From Prisoners of Hope A Tale of Colonial Virginia by Mary Johnston

These wuz coward feelin's an' they misbecome me; the ache herein this heart uv mine had no business there.

From Second Book of Tales by Eugene Field

The broad collar of his exquisitely plaited shirt, though tied round with a wide black ribbon, did not conceal a neck which agreed well with his beardless chin, and would not have misbecome a woman.

From Vivian Grey by Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield

Thou didst what deed that misbecame thy life?

From The Seven Plays in English Verse by Sophocles

So the heart of the Marquis was hardened, and he was strengthened to do that which misbecame him both as a gentleman and a landlord.

From The Vicar of Bullhampton by Anthony Trollope

But having acquired it she discovered herself to be too tall and too broad for it, so that it misbecame her mightily.

From The Great Captain: A Story of the Days of Sir Walter Raleigh by Katharine Tynan

“Stop your grog, indeed!” said Remarkable, rising with great indignation, and seizing a candle; “you’re groggy now, Benjamin and I’ll quit the room before I hear any misbecoming words from you.”

From The Pioneers by James Fenimore Cooper

Nought misbecoming to thyself or sire Doest thou or speak’st, befriending a good man.

From The Seven Plays in English Verse by Sophocles

Your most sprightly Flights borrow no Graces from Detraction; you never speak a misbecoming Word, nor do an ill-natur’d Action, tho’ ’tis always in your Power.

From Zadig Or, The Book of Fate by Voltaire

If ladies prefer what is ugly and misbecoming, the dressmakers have to make it.

From Routledge's Manual of Etiquette by George Routledge

Cast off, for shame, ungentle maid, That misbecoming joy thou wear’st!

From Thomas Stanley: His Original Lyrics, Complete, In Their Collated Readings of 1647, 1651, 1657. With an Introduction, Textual Notes, A List of Editions, An Appendis of Translation, and a Portrait. by Thomas Stanley