Besteal

/bɪˈstil/ verb

Definition

To steal thoroughly or completely, or to rob someone entirely of their possessions; an archaic intensive form of 'steal.'

Etymology

From 'be-' prefix plus 'steal,' where 'steal' comes from Old English 'stelan,' intensified by the prefix to suggest total or complete theft.

Kelly Says

Medieval literature uses 'besteal' in a way that's almost humorous—it suggests such thorough stealing that nothing is left, creating an image of complete destitution that's more vivid than just 'rob' or 'steal.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.