English edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English bereden, bireden (to advise, deliberate), from Old English berǣdan (to deprive, take by treachery, rob; betray; deliberate on; get the better of), equivalent to be- +‎ read. Cognate with Saterland Frisian beräide (to advise), German Low German beraden (to advise), German beraten (to advise, deliberate).

Pronunciation edit

Verb edit

beread (third-person singular simple present bereads, present participle bereading, simple past and past participle beread)

  1. Alternative form of berede
  2. (transitive, archaic) To advise; inform; counsel; plan; (reflexive) to advise or bethink oneself; deliberate.
    • 1852, Jean Palsgrave, François Génin, L'éclaircissement de la langue française par Jean Palsgrave, original publication 1530:
      I berede me, I take advyse or counsayle... I wyll berede me first, and than you shall have your answere.
    • 1923, Blanche Colton Williams, Harry Hansen, Society of Arts and Sciences (U.S.), O. Henry memorial award prize stories:
      And when the time hung with a heaviness I beread me of them.

Anagrams edit