2 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Beset \Be*set"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Beset}; p. pr & vb n.
{Besetting}.] [AS. besettan (akin to OHG. bisazjan G.
besetzen D. bezetten); pref. be- + settan to set See
{Set}.]
1. To set or stud anything with ornaments or prominent
objects.
A robe of azure beset with drops of gold.
--Spectator.
The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet
shrubs that it perfumes the air. --Evelyn.
2. To hem in to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to
blockade. ``Beset with foes.'' --Milton.
Let thy troops beset our gates. --Addison.
3. To set upon on all sides; to perplex; to harass; -- said
of dangers, obstacles, etc ``Adam, sore beset, replied.''
--Milton. ``Beset with ills.'' --Addison. ``Incommodities
which beset old age.'' --Burke.
4. To occupy; to employ; to use up [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Syn: To surround; inclose; environ; hem in besiege;
encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
beset
v 1: annoy continually or chronically; "He is known to harry his
staff when he is overworked" [syn: {harass}, {hassle}, {harry},
{chivy}, {chivvy}, {chevy}, {chevvy}, {plague}, {molest},
{provoke}]
2: to assail or attack on all sides:"The lioness..beset by men
and hounds." Pope [syn: {set upon}]
3: decorate or cover lavishly with gems [syn: {encrust}]
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Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
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