Middle English Dictionary Entry

bicǒmen v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms bicǒmen v. Also bicumen. Forms: sg. 3 bicǒmeth, (early) bicym(e)þ, -kimeð; p. sg. bicā̆m, -com, -cọ̄m, pl. bicọ̄men, (late) -cā̆m; ppl. bicǒmen; perf. is bicǒmen.
Etymology OE becuman

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To come (to a place), arrive (at); also, go (to a place) [quot.Gawain]; -- with in, on, to phrase; (b) ~ from, to get away from (sth.).
Show 12 Quotations
2.
wher (he, it) bicometh, etc.: (a) where (he, it) comes from; (b) where (he, it) goes; whider ~; (c) what becomes (of him, it).
Show 23 Quotations
3.
To come or descend (from a family or tribe); -- with of phrase.
Show 2 Quotations
4a.
(a) To get or attain (to a certain state); develop (into sth.); reach (a certain age); -- with to, into, on phrase; (b) to change (to a different state), turn (into sth. else); ~ to nought, come to naught.
Show 14 Quotations
4b.
To become (sth.); -- with (a) noun or (b) adj. or (c) ?prepositional phrase as complement.
Show 30 Quotations
5.
(a) To come about, come to pass, happen; bicam to come, started to approach; (b) to fall to the lot (of sb.), overtake or befall (sb.); -- with obj. or with on or to phrase; ~ betere, be better for (sb.).
Show 13 Quotations
6.
To be fitting, suitable, proper, or becoming: (a) of nature or character; (b) of rank or station; (c) of custom or behavior; (d) of dress or ornament; -- with obj., to (for) phrase, or absol.
Show 27 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Sole quot. under 4b.(c) may also be construed as containing 'morne' (morne adj.) rather than 'in orne' (orne adj. and n.): the print MED took it both ways. If the 'morne' emendation is correct, the quot. belongs under bicomen v. sense 4b.(b).

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