I. ˈbē(-i)ŋ noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : the quality or state of having existence
b.
(1) : something conceivable as existing
(2) : something that actually exists
(3) : the totality of existing things
c. : conscious existence : life
2. : the qualities that constitute an existent thing : essence ; especially : personality
3. : a living thing ; especially : person
II. adjective
Etymology: present participle of be
Date: 14th century
: present — used in the phrase for the time being
III. conjunction
Date: 1528
chiefly dialect : since , because — usually used with as, as how, or that