Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×
1

bensel

noun ben·sel \ ˈben(t)-səl , ˈben-zəl \
variants: or less commonly bensil play \ˈben(t)-səl, ˈben-zəl\

Definition of bensel

plural -s
chiefly Scottish
: sudden violent motion or action

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of bensel

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

2

bensel

transitive verb ben·sel \ ˈben(t)-səl , ˈben-zəl \
variants: or less commonly bensil play \ˈben(t)-səl, ˈben-zəl\

Definition of bensel

benseled or benselled; benseled or benselled; benseling or benselling; bensels
chiefly Scottish
: to strike violently : beat

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up bensel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

play

to recoil in dread or terror

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

bensel

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games