Middle English Dictionary Entry

bihōlden v.
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1a.
(a) To fix or keep one's eyes (on sth.), look (at), gaze (upon); (b) to look (in a certain direction), ~ after, look for or after (sth.); (c) to take a look; look, look on, look around.
1b.
To look or gaze at (sth.); observe or watch (sth.) with one's eyes, scrutinize; -- (a) with obj.; (b) with clause; (c) fair to biholden, etc.
1c.
To catch sight of or see (sth.); -- (a) with obj.; (b) with clause.
1d.
To be able to see, have eyesight.
2a.
To turn one's thoughts (to sth.), pay attention; look (after), be solicitous (about), protect; -- with prep. phrase, obj., or alone.
2b.
(a) To observe, consider, contemplate; ~ inwardli; (b) to perceive; comprehend, understand; (c) to see (as in a dream or one's imagination).
3.
(a) To hold (a belief); adhere (to), be devoted (to); (b) to observe (a feast day).
4.
(a) To have content or meaning; mean, signify; ~ litel, nought, mean little, nothing; be insignificant, be meaningless; (b) to concern, be pertinent, have to do with (sth.); be of concern to (sb.); (c) to respect or admire (sth. or sb.).
5.
ben biholde(n, to be in duty bound, be under obligation, be indebted; -- often with inf. phrase, or with to, onto phrase.
6.
Of things: to face (sth., or toward sth.).