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De - Pt| English Dictionary: besetting | by the DICT Development Group |
| 2 results for besetting | |
| From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
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Besetting \Be*set"ting\, a. Habitually attacking, harassing, or pressing upon or about; as, a besetting sin. | |
| From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
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Beset \Be*set"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Beset}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Besetting}.] [AS. besettan (akin to OHG. bisazjan, G. besetzen, D. bezetten); pref. be- + settan to set. See {Set}.] 1. To set or stud (anything) with ornaments or prominent objects. A robe of azure beset with drops of gold. --Spectator. The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet shrubs that it perfumes the air. --Evelyn. 2. To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade. [bd]Beset with foes.[b8] --Milton. Let thy troops beset our gates. --Addison. 3. To set upon on all sides; to perplex; to harass; -- said of dangers, obstacles, etc. [bd]Adam, sore beset, replied.[b8] --Milton. [bd]Beset with ills.[b8] --Addison. [bd]Incommodities which beset old age.[b8] --Burke. 4. To occupy; to employ; to use up. [Obs.] --Chaucer. Syn: To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege; encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press. | |
