/ bɪˈliːgəd; NAmE -gərd/ adjective
1.
( formal ) experiencing a lot of criticism and difficulties :
The beleaguered party leader was forced to resign.
2.
surrounded by an enemy :
supplies for the beleaguered city
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: from Dutch belegeren camp round, from be- (all) about + leger a camp + -ed .