befalling

English

Etymology

From Middle English bifallinge, equivalent to befall +‎ -ing. Cognate with Dutch bevalling (“delivery, confinement”), Swedish befallning (“command, behest, charge”).

Noun

befalling (plural befallings)

1. A happening; occurrence; chance; event.

Verb

befalling

1. Present participle of befall.

Adjective

befalling (comparative more befalling, superlative most befalling)

1. (archaic) Appertaining; appropriate; fitting.
   • 1542, John Udall, The apophthegmes of Erasmus:

     Bountie and largesse is befalling for kynges.