The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            A robe of azure beset with drops of gold.
                                                  --Spectator.
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            The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet
            shrubs that it perfumes the air.      --Evelyn.
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   2. To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to
      blockade. "Beset with foes." --Milton.
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            Let thy troops beset our gates.       --Addison.
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   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.
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   4. To occupy; to employ; to use up. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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   Syn: To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege;
        encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

beset
    v 1: annoy continually or chronically; "He is known to harry his
         staff when he is overworked"; "This man harasses his female
         co-workers" [syn: harass, hassle, harry, chivy,
         chivvy, chevy, chevvy, beset, plague, molest,
         provoke]
    2: assail or attack on all sides: "The zebra was beset by
       leopards" [syn: beset, set upon]
    3: decorate or cover lavishly (as with gems) [syn: encrust,
       incrust, beset]