Dictionary

besay en · VERB

Etymology

From Middle English besayen, biseggen, from Old English beseċġan (“to announce, introduce; defend, excuse oneself; accuse”), from Proto-Germanic *bisagjaną, equivalent to be- (“about, concerning, across”) + say. Cognate with Dutch bezeggen, German besagen (“to say”).

Meanings

1. To say about (someone or something); get something across verbally or by saying; relay; signify; declare.
   • The 'besaid' are articulate with words and with silence. 2003, Philip Auslander, Performance: Media and technology:
   • "How did this Elf child come to be here, Luna?", Methusem besaid. "I granted their ship permission to berth in the bay," Luna projected this with apology. 2005, Lara Elf Princess Prendville, Screams BeNeath Pandora:
   • "Laughter," reproved Najib, cut to the soul by his chief's ridicule, "laughter is for hyenas — and for women! as I have besaid of often. 1925, Albert Payson Terhune, Najib:

Forms