Bespot

/bɪˈspɑt/ verb

Definition

To mark with spots; to cover with spots or stains.

Etymology

From Old English 'be-' (prefix) + 'spot' (from Old Norse 'spottinn,' meaning a mark or blemish). The prefix suggests covering with multiple spots.

Kelly Says

In descriptions of disease or skin conditions, medieval texts used 'bespot' to describe the spreading of spots across the body. Plague victims were described as 'bespot'—the word captures both the literal medical condition and a sense of corruption or contamination.

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