bensel

1 of 2

noun

ben·​sel ˈben(t)-səl 

ˈben-zəl

variants or less commonly bensil

ˈben(t)-səl,

ˈben-zəl

plural -s

chiefly Scottish

: sudden violent motion or action

bensel

2 of 2

transitive verb

ben·​sel ˈben(t)-səl 

ˈben-zəl

variants or less commonly bensil

ˈben(t)-səl,

ˈben-zəl

benseled or benselled; benseled or benselled; benseling or benselling; bensels

chiefly Scottish

: to strike violently : beat

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse benzl bent state of a bow, from benda to bend

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for bensel

• pencil
• stencil
• tensile
• commensal
• prehensile
• utensil
• intercensal