Dictionary

behelm en · VERB

Etymology

From Middle English *behelmen, from Old English behelmian (“to cover over”), equivalent to be- + helm. Related to Old English helan (“to cover”). More at hele.

Meanings

1. (transitive) To cover; cover over.
   • He went to the Thing in gold-reddened helm, and all his company was behelmed. 1895, Eiríkr Magnússon, William Morris, The Saga library:
   • And hundred-folded Briareus, and Lerna's Worm of dread Fell hissing; and Chimaera's length and fire-behelmed head, [...] 1876, Virgil, William Morris, Cedric Chivers, The Aeneids of Virgil:
2. (transitive) To cover as with a helm or helmet.
   • Stepped forth a virgin, with behelmed head Like to a martial goddess, fair at once And dreadful to behold; [...] 1985, Friedrich Schiller, Friedrich Schiller, poet of freedom, Washington, D.C.: Schiller Institute:
   • Now come the days for fighting to the finish, bemail thy body and behelm thy head; Rally all those that desert thee, and put away forests and dice. 1998, Margaret Bent, Andrew Wathey, Fauvel studies:

Forms