behest etymology

Etymology:

The word "behest" comes from the Middle English word "biheste," which in turn is derived from the Old English word "behæs." The Old English word is believed to have been formed from two elements:

  • "be," meaning "by" or "with"
  • "hæs," meaning "command" or "order"

Meaning:

A behest is a command, order, or request, typically given by a superior to an inferior. It implies an obligation to obey or comply.

Origin:

The concept of a behest has existed for centuries, originating in feudal societies where lords had the authority to issue commands to their vassals. The term was later adopted into legal and administrative contexts, referring to official orders or requests.

Usage:

Today, "behest" is commonly used in both legal and informal settings to refer to a command, order, or request. For example:

  • "The king issued a behest that all citizens should report to the castle."
  • "At the behest of his wife, the man agreed to go shopping."
  • "The company sent out a behest to its employees to complete their tasks by Friday."

behest relate terms

  • hest

    Etymology The word hest comes from the Old English word hæs or hæsst meaning c

  • behest

    Etymology The word behest comes from the Middle English word biheste which in turn

  • wist

    Etymology Old English witan Proto Germanic witaną Proto Indo European root weid

  • whilst

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  • amongst

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  • amidst

    Etymology of Amidst Middle English amiddes amides Old English on middes on midde P

  • hight

  • command

    Etymology The word command comes from the Old French word commander which is derive

  • dictation

    Etymology Dictation derives from the Latin word dictare meaning to speak or utter

  • array

    Etymology The word array is derived from the Old French word arrai which means to

  • Amazon

    Etymology The name Amazon is derived from the Greek word Ἀμαζών Amazōn wh

  • academy

    Etymology The word academy comes from the Greek word akademeia which was the name of

  • crusade

    Etymology Medieval Latin cruciata marked with a cross Late Latin crux cross

  • civil

    Meaning and Origin of Civil Etymology Civil etymology refers to a process where words cha

  • knight

    Etymology Middle English knyght from Old English cniht Proto West Germanic knehtaz