What does beshrew mean?
Definitions for beshrew
bɪˈʃrubeshrew
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word beshrew.
Princeton's WordNet
curse, beshrew, damn, bedamn, anathemize, anathemise, imprecate, maledictverb
wish harm upon; invoke evil upon
"The bad witch cursed the child"
Wiktionary
beshrewverb
To invoke or wish evil upon; to curse.
beshrewverb
A mildly imprecatory or merely expletive introductory exclamation, in the form of the imperative.
Beshrew your heart, Fair daughter! Shakespeare.
Etymology: From beshrewen, equivalent to.
Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
To Beshrewverb
Etymology: The original of this word is somewhat obscure; as it evidently implies to wish ill, some derive it from beschryen, Germ. to enchant. Edward Topsell, in his Book of Animals, deduces it from the shrew mouse, an animal, says he, so poisonous, that its bite is a severe curse. A shrew likewise signifies a scolding woman; but its origin is not known.
Nay, quoth the cock; but I beshrew us both,
If I believe a saint upon his oath. John Dryden, Fables.Beshrew thee, cousin, which did’st lead me forth
Of that sweet way I was in to despair. William Shakespeare, Richard II.Now much beshrew my manners, and my pride,
If Hermia meant to say Lysander lied. William Shakespeare.
ChatGPT
beshrew
"Beshrew" is an archaic verb that was primarily used in English literature during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance period. It literally means to wish or invoke evil or misfortune upon someone; to curse or invoke a spell on someone. It was commonly found in the works of playwrights like William Shakespeare. Despite its literal meaning, it was often used in a lighter, more playful context.
Webster Dictionary
Beshrewverb
to curse; to execrate
Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
Beshrew
be-shrōō′, v.t. to invoke evil upon, to curse—now only in such mild imprecations as 'beshrew me,' or 'thee'—prob. not imperative but elliptical, like '(I) thank you.' [Pfx. be-, and Shrew.]
Matched Categories
Anagrams for beshrew »
Hebrews
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of beshrew in Chaldean Numerology is: 1
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of beshrew in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8
References
Translations for beshrew
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
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"beshrew." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/beshrew>.
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