To mark or cover something with stripes, especially in an extensive or thorough way.
From 'be-' (intensive prefix) + 'stripe.' The 'be-' prefix suggests doing something completely or thoroughly to a whole area, similar to how 'besmear' means to cover with something unpleasant.
This word is beautifully specific—it's not just 'to stripe' but 'to bestow stripes upon' in a complete or overwhelming way. Textile workers and painters would have used this precise term, showing how old English had exact words for specific craft actions.
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