prefix forming verbs: 1 (from transitive verbs) a all over; all round (beset; besmear). b thoroughly, excessively (begrudge; belabour). 2 (from intransitive verbs) expressing transitive action (bemoan; bestride). 3 (from adjectives and nouns) expressing transitive action (befool; befoul). 4 (from nouns) a affect with (befog). b treat as (befriend). c (forming adjectives in -ed) having; covered with (bejewelled; bespectacled).
[ OE be-, weak form of bi BY as in bygone, byword, etc. ]