Old English

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Etymology

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From Proto-Germanic *bistandaną. Equivalent to be- +‎ standan.

Pronunciation

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Verb

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bestandan

  1. to stand by or near, stand on or upon, stand about or around
  2. to surround; beset, occupy
    • "Gospel of Saint John", chapter 10, verse 24
      Ðā bestōdon þā Iudeas hyne ūtan, and cwǣdon tō him, Hū lange gǣlst þū ūre līf? Sege ūs openlīce hwæþer þū Crīst sȳ.
      Then the Jews surrounded him from outside and said to him, how long do you delay our lives. Tell us openly whether you be Christ.

Conjugation

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Descendants

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  • Middle English: bistanden, bestanden