be-smut, v.
(bɪˈsmʌt)
[f. be- 1 + smut v.]
trans. ‘To blacken with smoke or soot’ (J.), to dirty; also fig.
| 1610 Holland Camden's Brit. i. 154 That blot wherewith Chalcondilas hath besmutted our nation. 1656 Earl of Monmouth Advt. fr. Parnass. 438 The flash did so singe his face, having monstrously besmutted him. |
Hence beˈsmutted ppl. a. (also said of wheat blackened by smut).
| 1829 Blackw. Mag. XXVI. 33 We see the ‘rara avis,’ with beak and claws begrimed and besmutted. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. iii. v. iii. (D.) One besmutted, redbearded corn-ear in this which they cut. |