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befang

Pronunciation: [bəˈfæŋ]

The English word “befang” has 3 meanings listed here.

verb

  1. To lay hold on; seize; grasp; catch; clutch.
  2. To take hold on; begin or commence upon.
  3. To encompass; enclose; contain; comprehend.

Etymology

From Middle English befon (past participle befangen), from Old English befōn (“to surround, clasp, include, envelop, encase, clothe, comprehend, seize, attack (at law), lay hold of, catch, ensnare, contain, receive, conceive, explain”), equivalent to be- + fang. Cognate with Dutch bevangen (“to seize”), Middle High German bevāhen (“to comprehend”).

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