† ˈbelef, -if Obs.
[a. OF. à belif, beslif (:—late L. type *bis-līquus = oblīquus; cf. F. beslong, med.L. beslongus = L. oblongus). Cf. embelife.]
In advb. phr. a belef: obliquely, aslant; scarf-wise.
| c 1340 Gaw. & Gr. Knt. 2486 Þe blykkande belt he bere þeraboute, A belef as a bauderyk. Ibid. 2517 Vche burne..a bauderyk schulde haue, A bende a belef hym aboute. |