I. bi-ˈsīd, bē- preposition
Etymology: Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English be sīdan at or to the side, from be at (from bī ) + sīdan, dative & accusative of sīde side — more at by
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : by the side of
walk beside me
b. : in comparison with
c. : on a par with
2. : besides
3. : not relevant to
beside the point
•
- beside oneself
II. adverb
Date: 14th century
1. archaic : nearby
2. archaic : besides