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>