bestride etymology

Etymology

Bestride is a verb derived from the Middle English verb "bestriden", which itself came from the Old English verb "bestridan". The Old English verb is composed of two parts:

• "be-", a prefix meaning "thoroughly" or "completely"
• "stridan", meaning "to stride" or "to step over"

Meaning

Bestride means to stand or sit with one leg on either side of something. It can also mean to mount or sit on something, such as a horse or a bike.

Origin

The use of "bestride" to mean "to sit or stand with one leg on either side of something" can be traced back to the 13th century. The first recorded use of the word in this sense is in the poem "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, written around 1387. In the poem, the character of the Wife of Bath describes her husband as being "berst with bolles in his hondes" (meaning "burst with boils in his hands").

The use of "bestride" to mean "to mount or sit on something" is also first recorded in the 13th century. The first recorded use of the word in this sense is in the poem "Brut" by Layamon, written around 1205. In the poem, the character of King Arthur is described as being "bestridden upon a stede" (meaning "mounted on a horse").

Usage Examples

• The giant bestrode the river, his legs spanning the entire width.
• The cowboy bestrode his horse and rode off into the sunset.
• The acrobat bestrode the tightrope, balancing effortlessly.

bestride relate terms

• stride

  Etymology Middle English stride from Old English stridan to stride Proto Germanic st

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