bi: prefix forming verbs: 1 (from
transitive verbs) a
all over; all
round (beset; besmear). b thoroughly, excessively (begrudge; belabour). 2 (from
intransitive verbs) expressing transitive
action (bemoan; bestride). 3 (from adjectives
and nouns) expressing transitive action (befool; befoul). 4 (from nouns) a affect
with (befog). b
treat as (befriend). c (forming adjectives in -ed) having; covered with (bejewelled; bespectacled). [OE be-,
weak form of bi BY as in
bygone,
byword, etc.]