Middle English Dictionary Entry

bilīen v.(1)
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Entry Info

Forms bilīen v.(1) Also biliggen. Forms: sg. 3 bilī(e)th, pl. bilīen, beliȝe, biliggeð; p.sg. bilai, pl. bileie(n; ppl. bilain, belein, ? beleene, bilay.
Etymology OE belicgan surround, appertain; sg. 3 beligeþ, belīþ; pl. belicgaþ.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To besiege (a stronghold, an enemy); also, waylay; (b) to beset (sb.).
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2.
To lie with (a woman); fornicate, rape; ?also, beget (children) [quot.Paul.Epist.].
Show 7 Quotations
3.
To be situated or located.
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4.
(a) To pertain or belong (to sth.); (b) law to be applicable or of effect; (it) bilith, it is required or obligatory, as to him bilai, as was his duty or privilege (under the law); as was appropriate to him (by rule or custom).
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