English Explanatory Dictionary

befang

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To lay hold on; seize; grasp; catch; clutch.
  2. To take hold on; begin or commence upon.
  3. To encompass; enclose; contain; comprehend.

Pronunciation

[bəˈfæŋ]

Word forms

befang befangs befanging befanged befong

Etymology

From Middle English befon (past participle befangen), from Old English befōn (“to surround, clasp, include, envelop, encase, clothe, comprehend, seize, attack (at law), lay hold of, catch, ensnare, contain, receive, conceive, explain”), equivalent to be- + fang. Cognate with Dutch bevangen (“to seize”), Middle High German bevāhen (“to comprehend”).

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