Besetting

Besetting
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. [1913 Webster]

A robe of azure beset with drops of gold. --Spectator. [1913 Webster]

The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet shrubs that it perfumes the air. --Evelyn. [1913 Webster]

2. To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade. ``Beset with foes.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Let thy troops beset our gates. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

3. To set upon on all sides; to perplex; to harass; -- said of dangers, obstacles, etc. ``Adam, sore beset, replied.'' --Milton. ``Beset with ills.'' --Addison. ``Incommodities which beset old age.'' --Burke. [1913 Webster]

4. To occupy; to employ; to use up. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege; encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Besetting — Be*set ting, a. Habitually attacking, harassing, or pressing upon or about; as, a besetting sin. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • besetting — [bi set′iŋ] adj. constantly harassing or attacking [a besetting temptation] …   English World dictionary

  • besetting — index hostile Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • besetting — /bi set ing/, adj. constantly assailing or obsessing, as with temptation: a besetting sin. [1540 50; BESET + ING2] * * * …   Universalium

  • besetting — be•set•ting [[t]bɪˈsɛt ɪŋ[/t]] adj. constantly assailing or obsessing: a besetting temptation[/ex] • Etymology: 1540–50 …   From formal English to slang

  • besetting — /bəˈsɛtɪŋ/ (say buh seting), /bi / (say bee ) adjective constantly attacking, tempting, etc.: our besetting sins …  

  • besetting idea — index compulsion (obsession) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • besetting sin — /bəsɛtɪŋ ˈsɪn/ (say buhseting sin) noun a weakness to which one is particularly prone by virtue of one s own fundamental nature. Also, besetting vice …  

  • besetting sin — noun, pl ⋯ sins [count] : a main or constant problem or fault My besetting sin is a fondness for sweets …   Useful english dictionary

  • besetting — adjective Date: 1634 constantly present or attacking ; obsessive …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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