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bensel

noun
ben·​sel | \ ˈben(t)-səl How to pronounce bensel (audio) , ˈben-zəl\
variants: or less commonly bensil \ ˈben(t)-​səl How to pronounce bensil (audio) , ˈben-​zəl \
plural -s

Definition of bensel

 (Entry 1 of 2)

chiefly Scottish
: sudden violent motion or action

bensel

transitive verb
ben·​sel | \ ˈben(t)-səl How to pronounce bensel (audio) , ˈben-zəl\
variants: or less commonly bensil \ ˈben(t)-​səl How to pronounce bensil (audio) , ˈben-​zəl \
benseled or benselled; benseled or benselled; benseling or benselling; bensels

Definition of bensel (Entry 2 of 2)

chiefly Scottish
: to strike violently : beat

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History and Etymology for bensel

Noun

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

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