† biˈwiti(e, v. Obs.
Also biwittien, -witeȝen, -witteȝen.
[OE. bewitian, f. bi-, be- 1 + wittian: see witie.]
trans. To watch over, observe, guard, keep.
| c 1000 Beowulf 2860 Ða [nicras] on undern mæl · oft bewitiᵹað sorhfulne sið on sæᵹl-rade. c 1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 195 Ðe deuel..is gredi uppen woreld richeise..and ȝiep him to biwitiende. c 1205 Lay. 27198 Bi-halues he sende..wel iwepnede men · þene wude to bi-witteȝen. |