becarve, v.
(bɪˈkɑːv)
[OE. beceorfan, f. be- 3 + ceorfan to carve.]
† 1. trans. To cut off. Obs. (Cf. behead.)
| a 1000 Beowulf 3185 And hine þá héafde becearf. a 1230 Ancr. R. 362 Loðlease meidenes þe..hefdes bikoruen. |
† 2. To cut up, open up (land). Obs.
| 1388 Wyclif Isa. xxviii. 24 Whether he that erith..schal be kerue [1382 forth cutten] and purge his londe? |
3. To cut in pieces, carve.
| 1863 Alcock Capit. Tycoon I. 272 The chance of being becarved by two-sworded samourai in pursuit of their game. |