overween

[oh-ver-ween]

verb (used without object)

Archaic.

1. to be conceited or arrogant.

Other Word Forms

• overweener noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overween¹

1275–1325; Middle English overwenen; over-, ween

Example Sentences

Demetrius, thou dost overween in all; And so in this, to bear me down with braves.

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Overween′ing, thinking too highly of: conceited, vain.—n. conceit: presumption.—adv.

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Lady, that in the prime of earliest youth Wisely hast shunned the broad way and the green, And with those few art eminently seen That labor up the hill of heavenly Truth, The better part with Mary and with Ruth 5 Chosen thou hast; and they that overween, And at thy growing virtues fret their spleen, No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth.

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Nothing, methinks, is to be seen On earth that does not overween.

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Lady, that in the prime of earliest youth     Wisely hast shunned the broad way and the green,     And with those few art eminently seen     That labour up the hill of heavenly truth,   The better part, with Mary and with Ruth,     Chosen thou hast; and they that overween,     And at thy glowing virtues fret their spleen,     No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth.

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