misbecome

American  

[mis-bi-kuhm] / ˌmɪs bɪˈkʌm /

verb (used with object)

misbecame, misbecome, misbecoming

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

---

misbecome British  

/ ˌmɪsbɪˈkʌm /

verb

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

---

Etymology

Origin of misbecome

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

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 Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield

On my head I place a sedately feathered bonnet, which would not have misbecome mother.

From Nancy by Broughton, Rhoda

See all men else discharg'd; And since old debts are clear'd by a new way, A little bounty will not misbecome me.

From The Mirror of Taste, and Dramatic Censor, Vol. I, No. 4, April 1810 by Carpenter, S. C. (Stephen Cullen)

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 Kean, Charles John

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 Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron

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 Trollope, Anthony

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 Tynan, Katharine

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 Stanley, Thomas

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 Lamb, Charles

There is something misbecoming a man in the bloom of youth, and labouring under no natural disadvantages and infirmities, in the subsisting in any manner upon the bounty of another.

From Italian Letters, Vols. I and II The History of the Count de St. Julian by Godwin, William

“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 Cooper, James Fenimore