Dictionary

withsake en · VERB

Etymology

From Middle English withsaken, from Old English wiþsacan (“to forsake, abandon, renounce, refuse, deny, oppose, drive against”); equivalent to with- + sake. Compare Middle High German widersachen.

Meanings

1. (obsolete, transitive) To forsake; abandon; renounce; deny; refuse.
   • [...] there appears a reference to the body "withsaking" the devil (G47), a clear indication that there was a time in the life of the body when it was not so thorough a sinner. 1987, Douglas Moffat, The Soul's address to the body: the Worcester fragments:
   • Well! the king then openly declared to the priest and to them all, that he would firmly "withsake" and renounce idolatry, and receive the faith of Christ. 1852, Alfred (King of England), The whole works of King Alfred the Great
   • [...] as Christ did not withsake, a love not proceeding from God and referring all to him, which the Apostle here forbids. 1852, August Neander, The First epistle of John: practically explained:

Forms