Dictionary

bewin en · VERB

Etymology

From Middle English bewinnen, biwinnen, from Old English *bewinnan, from Proto-West Germanic *biwinnan (“to acquire, gain”), equivalent to be- + win. Cognate with Saterland Frisian bewinne (“to gain, acquire”), Middle Dutch bewinnen (“to cultivate”), Middle High German bewinnen (“to attain, acquire”).

Meanings

1. (archaic, transitive) To gain, win, or get possession of.
   • A word to you in and for the Teacher—that is, the NY Teacher—-not that it will be likely to bewin or interest even you much, but it will be a moral relief to me. 1855, New York State United Teachers, United Federation of Teachers, New York Teacher: UFT bulletin:
   • His helme to bewin was in twenty places, […] 1790, The plays and poems of William Shakspeare

Forms