I. ˈbē(ə)l(d) transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English belden to assist, encourage, protect, from Old English beldan, byldan to encourage, denominative from the stem of Old English bald, beald bold — more at bold
now chiefly Scotland : shelter , protect
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English belde shelter, confidence, boldness, from Old English beldo, byldo boldness; akin to Old High German beldī boldness, Gothic balthei; derivative from the stem of Old English bald, beald bold
1. chiefly Scotland : shelter , protection
2. chiefly Scotland
a. : a place affording shelter : refuge
b. : a habitation for man or beast