† bezonian Obs.
(bɪˈzəʊnɪan)
Also 6 bezonion, 6– bi-, besonian.
[f. It. bisogno, Sp. bisoño (see besonio). The ending is perh. -an, as in Oxonian, etc.]
a. A raw recruit. b. (as a term of contempt) Needy beggar, base fellow, knave, rascal.
| 1592 Nashe P. Penilesse Wks. 1883–4 II. 86 Trod vnder foote of euery inferior Besonian. 1593 Shakes. 2 Hen. VI, iv. i. 134 Great men oft dye by vilde Bezonions. 1597 ― 2 Hen. IV, v. iii. 115 Bezonian, speake, or dye. 1611 Cotgr., Bisongne [see besogne], a raskall, bisonian, base humored scoundrell. 1632 Massinger Maid of Hon. iv. i, For half a mouldy biscuit, sell herself To a poor bisognion. 1843 Lytton Last Bar. i. xi, Out on ye, cullions and bezonians! |