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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

misbecome misbecame misbecoming

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

"A careless song with a little nonsense in it now and then does not misbecome a monarch."

From Woven with the Ship A Novel of 1865 by Cyrus Townsend Brady

Had we insisted on a concession of antecedent right, it may not misbecome us, either as moralists or politicians, to consider what Grimaldi could have answered.

From The Works of Samuel Johnson, Volume 06 Reviews, Political Tracts, and Lives of Eminent Persons by Samuel Johnson

She did so with a simple, quiet dignity, that would not have misbecome a duchess.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 90, April, 1865 by Various

Scorn and defiance; slight regard, contempt, And any thing that may not misbecome The mighty sender, doth he prize you at.

From King Henry the Fifth Arranged for Representation at the Princess's Theatre by Charles John Kean

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

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

Thou didst what deed that misbecame thy life?

From The Seven Plays in English Verse by Sophocles

For to have apologized to every one had been too servile and misbecoming the dignity of his person; whereas equally to have neglected every one had been an act of insolence and imprudence.

From Complete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and Miscellanies by Plutarch

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

“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

More than all, I conceive disgust at those impertinent and misbecoming familiarities, inscribed upon your ordinary tombstones.

From The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 2 Elia and The Last Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb

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

From Routledge's Manual of Etiquette by George Routledge

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