bewit

== English == === Etymology 1 === From Middle English biwitten, biwiten, biwitien, from Old English bewitan, bewītan, bewitian (“to look over, watch over, take charge of, have charge or direction of, superintend, preside, govern, administer”), equivalent to be- +‎ wit. ==== Pronunciation ==== IPA(key): /bɪˈwɪt/ Rhymes: -ɪt ==== Verb ==== bewit (third-person singular simple present bewits, present participle bewitting, simple past and past participle bewitted or (archaic) bewist) (transitive) To bequeath. 1529, 1887, The Publications of the Surtees Society - Volume 83 - Page 302: I bewit to everye preiste at Saincte Egidie chapell viij d., beside dutyes of churche, to saye Mimrere Pmlvie and De Profundit for my saule. (transitive) To endue or impart wit (to); instruct. === Etymology 2 === From Middle English bewette, diminutive of Old French beue, bue, buie, boie (“bond, chain”), from Latin boia (“neck collar, fetter”). Compare buoy. ==== Alternative forms ==== bewet ==== Pronunciation ==== IPA(key): /ˈbjuːɪt/ Rhymes: -uːɪt ==== Noun ==== bewit (plural bewits) (chiefly in the plural, archaic, falconry) A small strip of leather by which bells are fastened to a hawk's legs. ===== Quotations ===== OED has some uses/mentions === References === “bewit”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.