behest
Meanings
noun
- A command, bidding; sometimes also, an authoritative request; now usually in the phrase at the behest of and at one's behest.
- A vow; a promise.
verb
- To promise; vow.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From Middle English biheste, from Old English behǣs (“vow, promise”), from Proto-West Germanic *bihaisi, from *bi- (“be-”) + *haisi (“command”), from Proto-Germanic *haisiz, from *haitaną (“to command”). Final -t by analogy with other similar words in -t. Related to Old English behātan (“to command, promise”), Middle Low German beheit, behēt (“a promise”). Compare also hest (“command”), hight.
Derived words
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