beshrew

verb

be·shrew bi-ˈshrü

bē-

especially Southern -ˈsrü

beshrewed; beshrewing; beshrews

Synonyms of beshrew next

next

transitive verb

archaic

: curse

Examples of beshrew in a Sentence

I would beshrew anyone who is untrue to his word.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bischrewen, from bi- be- + schrewen "to curse" — more at shrew entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of beshrew was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

beshow

beshrew

be sick

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Beshrew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beshrew. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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