v. (begged, begging) 1 a intr. (usu. foll. by for) ask for (esp. food, money, etc.) (begged for alms). b tr. ask for (food, money, etc.) as a gift. c intr. live by begging. 2 tr. & intr. (usu. foll. by for, or to + infin.) ask earnestly or humbly (begged for forgiveness; begged to be allowed out; please, I beg of you; beg your indulgence for a time). 3 tr. ask formally for (beg leave). 4 intr. (of a dog etc.) sit up with the front paws raised expectantly. 5 tr. take or ask leave (to do something) (I beg to differ; beg to enclose). beg one's bread live by begging. begging bowl 1 a bowl etc. held out for food or alms. 2 an earnest appeal for help. beg off 1 decline to take part in or attend. 2 get (a person) excused a penalty etc. beg pardon see PARDON. beg the question 1 assume the truth of an argument or proposition to be proved, without arguing it. 2 disp. pose the question. 3 colloq. evade a difficulty. go begging (or a-begging) (of a chance or a thing) not be taken; be unwanted.
[ ME prob. f. OE bedecian f. Gmc: rel. to BID ]