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

His probity, his correctness in private life, his decency of deportment, and his general ability, would not have misbecome a colleague of Walsingham and Burleigh.

From Critical and Historical Essays — Volume 1 by Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron Macaulay

In his tattered, single-breasted frock-coat, buttoned meagerly up to his chin, the shutter-brain made him a bow, which, for courtesy, would not have misbecome a viscount, then turned with silent appeal to the stranger.

From The Confidence-Man by Herman Melville

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

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

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

From The Emancipated by George Gissing

Thou didst what deed that misbecame thy life?

From The Seven Plays in English Verse by Sophocles

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

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

“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

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