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Webster 1913 Edition

Beset

Be-set′

,
Verb.
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.
A robe of azure
beset
with drops of gold.
Spectator.
The garden is so
beset
with all manner of sweet shrubs that it perfumes the air.
Evelyn.
2.
To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade.
“Beset with foes.”
Milton.
Let thy troops
beset
our gates.
Addison.
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.
4.
To occupy; to employ; to use up.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
Syn. – To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege; encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press.

Webster 1828 Edition

Beset

BESET'

,
Verb.
T.
pret. and pp. beset.
1.
To surround; to inclose; to hem in; to besiege; as, we are beset with enemies; a city is beset with troops. Hence,
2.
To press on all sides, so as to perplex; to entangle, so as to render escape difficult or impossible.
Adam sore beset replied.
3.
To waylay.
4.
To fall upon.

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