[bed] n [ME, fr. OE bedd; akin to OHG betti bed, L fodere to dig] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a piece of furniture on or in which to lie and sleep b (1): a place of sex relations (2): marital relationship c: a place for sleeping d: sleep; also: a time for sleeping "took a walk before ~" e (1): a mattress filled with soft material (2): bedstead f: the equipment and services needed to care for one hospitalized patient or hotel guest
2: a flat or level surface: as a: a plot of ground prepared for plants; also: the plants grown in such a plot b: the bottom of a body of water; esp: an area of sea bottom supporting a heavy growth of a particular organism "an oyster ~"
3: a supporting surface or structure: foundation
4: layer, stratum
5. a: the place or material in which a block or brick is laid b: the lower surface of a brick, slate, or tile
6: a mass or heap resembling a bed "a ~ of ashes" "served on a ~ of lettuce" -- in bed : in the act of sexual intercourse
[2]bed vb bed.ded ; bed.ding vi (bef. 12c) 1 a: to find or make sleeping accommodations b: to go to bed
2: to form a layer
3: to lie flat or flush ~ vt 1 a: to furnish with a bed or bedding: settle in sleeping quarters--often used with down b: to put, take, or send to bed
2. a: embed b: to plant or arrange in beds c: base, establish 3 a: to lay flat or in a layer b: to make a bed in or of
4: to have sexual intercourse with--often used with down