To wash all over or completely; to cover or drench with water.
Combining the prefix 'be-' with 'wash' (from Old English 'wæscan'). The 'be-' prefix intensifies or completes the action of the verb.
Words with 'be-' that mean 'to cover or surround with' something (like besmirch, bedeck, bespatter) were especially common in literature—writers loved them because they sounded dramatic and vivid.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.