▪ I. benet, n.
(ˈbɛnət)
Forms: 5 benett, benott, 5–6 benette, 4– benet.
[a. OF. beneit (mod.F. bénit):—L. benedict-us blessed: see benedict.]
The third of the four lesser orders in the Roman Catholic Church, one of whose functions was the exorcizing of evil spirits.
| c 1383 Wyclif Sel. Wks. (1871) III. 285 Of..crowning of benetis renneþ þe same extorsion. 1480 Caxton Chron. Eng. iv. (1520) 38/2 He ordeyned that he that was worthy sholde ascende gree by gree to his ordre, fyrst benet, than colet, subdeacon, deacon, and than preest. 1509 Ortus Voc. in Promp. Parv. 30 Exorcista, id est adjurator vel increpator, a benette or a conjurer. 1553–87 Foxe A. & M. III. 125 The lowest Vesture, which they had only in taking Benet and Collet. 1846 C. Maitland Ch. Catacombs 194 It is related of Huss the Martyr, that..he was degraded from all his orders..and the offices of exorcist, sexton, and benet. |
▪ II. benet, v.
(bɪˈnɛt)
[f. be- 6 + net v. or n.]
trans. a. To cover as with a net. b. To catch in a net, ensnare, entangle; usually fig.
| 1602 Shakes. Ham. v. ii. 29 Being thus benetted round with Villaines. 1614 Sylvester Bethulia's Resc. iv. 60 Her Robe, Sky-colour'd Silk, with curious Caul Of golden Twist, benetted over all. 1860 T. Martin Horace 188 The gaudier charms Of a girl that's both wealthy and wanton benet him. |
▪ III. benet
variant of bennet.