v. (past became; past part. become) 1 intr. (foll. by compl.) begin to be (became president; will become famous). 2 tr. a look well on; suit (blue becomes him). b befit (it ill becomes you to complain). 3 intr. (as becoming adj.) a flattering the appearance. b suitable; decorous. become of happen to (what will become of me?). becomingly adj. becomingness n.
[ OE becuman f. Gmc: cf. BE-, COME ]