BEHOOVE


Meaning of BEHOOVE in English

/bi hoohv"/ , v. , behooved, behooving . (chiefly in impersonal use)

v.t.

1. to be necessary or proper for, as for moral or ethical considerations; be incumbent on: It behooves the court to weigh evidence impartially.

2. to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage: It would behoove you to be nicer to those who could help you.

v.i.

3. Archaic. to be needful, proper, or due: Perseverance is a quality that behooves in a scholar.

[ bef. 900; ME behoven, OE behofian to need ( behof BEHOOF + -ian inf. suffix) ]

Syn. 2. benefit, advantage, serve, better, advance; suit, befit, beseem.

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .