begird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2archaic, literary, poetic
Quick answer
What does “begird” mean?
To surround or encircle, often as if with a belt or band.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To surround or encircle, often as if with a belt or band.
To hem in or encompass, sometimes with a connotation of constriction or confinement; can be used metaphorically (e.g., feelings begirding someone).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectal differences in usage; equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Poetic, biblical, or historical in both traditions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, marginally more likely in British English due to retention of archaic/poetic vocabulary in certain formal genres.
Grammar
How to Use “begird” in a Sentence
[Someone/Something] begird(s) [something/someone] (with something).To be begirt by/with something.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “begird” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient walls still begird the old city.
- A sense of foreboding begirt the travellers.
American English
- Mighty cliffs begird the isolated bay.
- She felt begirt by responsibilities.
adverb
British English
- (No common adverbial use)
American English
- (No common adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- (No common adjectival use)
American English
- (No common adjectival use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis (e.g., discussing Spenser or the King James Bible).
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “begird”
- Using 'begird' in modern prose.
- Confusing it with 'besiege' (which implies attack).
- Incorrectly forming past tense as 'begirded' instead of 'begirt'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is archaic and almost exclusively found in older poetry, biblical texts, or deliberate stylistic archaisms.
The standard past tense and past participle is 'begirt' (/bɪˈɡɜːt/).
It would sound extremely odd and pretentious. Use 'surround' or 'encircle' instead.
It comes from Old English 'begyrdan', from 'be-' (thoroughly) + 'gyrdan' (to gird). It is related to 'girdle' and 'gird'.
To surround or encircle, often as if with a belt or band.
Begird is usually archaic, literary, poetic in register.
Begird: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈɡɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈɡɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common modern use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Be-GIRD-le. Imagine a GIRDLE (a belt) being fastened AROUND you.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRAINT/ENCLOSURE IS A PHYSICAL BAND; EMOTION IS A PHYSICAL SURROUNDING (e.g., 'fear begirt her heart').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate modern synonym for 'begird' in a literary context?