† beˈknow, v. Obs.
For forms see know.
[f. be- 2 + know.]
trans.
1. To become acquainted with, to recognize.
| c 1300 Relig. Songs i. 31 Mon, hwi nultu the bi-cnowe? 1314 Guy Warw. (Abbotsf.) 106 The Soudan him biknewe anon. 1393 Gower III. 357 So fit it wel, that thou beknowe Thy feble estate. 1475 Caxton Jason 48 In no wyse I wold not ben beknowen. 1560 Phaër æneid Cc ij b, The lords beknew that god. [See beknown.] |
2. To admit one's knowledge of; to acknowledge, confess.
| c 1325 Coer de L. 1700 That he thynkes he wyl beknawe. 1340 Ayenb. 69 [Hi] hare folyes ne beknaweþ. c 1386 Chaucer Pars. T. ¶96 To destroye him that wolde not by⁓knowe his synnes. c 1440 Morte Arth. (Roxb.) 31 She moste there by know the dede. 1580 Hollyband Treas. Fr. Tong, Confesser, to confesse, to beknowe. |
3. To acknowledge or recognize (a person) in some capacity or relation; e.g. to confess Christ.
| c 1315 Shoreham 15 To biknowe Cristes name. 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xviii. 24 Þat cryst be nouȝt biknowe here for consummatus deus. |
4. to be beknown: to be aware or conscious of anything; hence, to avow, confess. Used like ‘to be acknown,’ but rarer.
| a 1300 Cursor M. 1905 Þan was noe wel be-knauin Þat þe flode it was wit-drauin. c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. iii. x. 90, I am byknowen and confesse..þat god is ryȝt worþi abouen alle þinges. 1413 Lydg. Pilgr. Sowle i. xv. 11, I am byknowe that I haue done amys. c 1500 Lancelot 1627 Qwho that is of an of thir byknow. 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. (1812) I. 694 If they aske the any thyng of me, be not be knowen that I am in the toune. |