beset

Verb
Synonyms: harasshassleharrychivychivvychevychevvyplaguemolestprovokeset uponencrust

WordNet 3.0

Verb (3)

  1. annoy continually or chronically“He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked”“This man harasses his female co-workers”Synonyms: harasshassleharrychivychivvychevychevvyplaguemolestprovoke
  2. assail or attack on all sides: "The zebra was beset by leopards"Synonyms: set upon
  3. decorate or cover lavishly (as with gems)Synonyms: encrustincrust
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. [1913 Webster]

A robe of azure beset with drops of gold.— Spectator.[1913 Webster]
The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet shrubs that it perfumes the air.— Evelyn.[1913 Webster]

2.To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade. "Beset with foes." --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Let thy troops beset our gates.— Addison.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

4.To occupy; to employ; to use up. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege; encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press. [1913 Webster]

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