betow

Etymology

From be- +‎ tow, or as a back-formation from Middle English betowen (“bestowed, applied”), past participle of Middle English bitēn (“to tug, pull, cover, apply, devote, employ, bring about, perform”), from Old English betēon (“to cover, surround, enclose, dispose of, bestow, bequeath, impeach, accuse”).

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -əʊ

Verb

betow (third-person singular simple present betows, present participle betowing, simple past and past participle betowed)

1. (transitive) To tow about; pull; draw; lead about; conduct.
2. (transitive) To educate; influence; steer; direct.
3. (transitive) To bestow; apply.
   • 1821, David Hume, The history of England from the invasion of Julius Cæsar to the

     For Henry, as lord Bacon observes, loved to employ and advance prelates; because, having rich bishoprics to betow, it was easy for him to reward their services: [...]