† biˈhofth(e Obs.
Forms: 2–3 bihofþe, 3 bihouþe, biofte, byefþe, 3–4 byofþe, 4 byhofþe.
[f. OE. bi-, behofian to need, behove + -th1.]
Need, behoof; use, service.
| c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 19 To þere saule bihofðe. c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 1408 Rebecca wile ic hauen, To ysac-is bi-ofte wile ic crauen. 1297 R. Glouc. 348 To hys byefþe. Ibid. 354 To Wyllammes byofþe. 1393 Langl. P. Pl. C. xiii. 187 To mannes byhofthe. a 1400 Eng. Gilds 354 To here owne by-ofþe. |