Be*stow" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bestowed (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Bestowing.] [OE. bestowen; pref. be- + stow a place. See Stow.]

1.

To lay up in store; to deposit for safe keeping; to stow; to place; to put.

"He bestowed it in a pouch."

Sir W. Scott.

See that the women are bestowed in safety. Byron.

2.

To use; to apply; to devote, as time or strength in some occupation.

3.

To expend, as money.

[Obs.]

4.

To give or confer; to impart; -- with on or upon.

Empire is on us bestowed. Cowper.

Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor. 1 Cor. xiii. 3.

5.

To give in marriage.

I could have bestowed her upon a fine gentleman. Tatler.

6.

To demean; to conduct; to behave; -- followed by a reflexive pronoun.

[Obs.]

How might we see Falstaff bestow himself to-night in his true colors, and not ourselves be seen ? Shak.

Syn. -- To give; grant; present; confer; accord.

 

© Webster 1913.

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