Main Entry:

be·hest

Pronunciation:

\bi-ˈhest, bē-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, promise, command, from Old English behǣs promise, from behātan to promise, from be- + hātan to command, promise — more at hight

Date:

12th century

1 : an authoritative order : command 2 : an urgent prompting <called at the behest of my friends>