v.
Pronunciation: bi- ' set, b ē -
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -set ; -set · ting
Etymology: Middle English besetten, from Old English besettan, from be- + settan to set
Date: before 12th century
1 : to set or stud with or as if with ornaments
2 : TROUBLE , HARASS <inflation beset s the economy>
3 a : to set upon : ASSAIL <the settlers were beset by savages> b : to hem in : SURROUND
– be · set · ment \ -m ə nt \ noun