beset Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb annoy continually or chronically
    chivy; chevy; chevvy; harass; hassle; chivvy; harry; plague; molest; provoke.
    • He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked
    • This man harasses his female co-workers
  2. verb assail or attack on all sides: "The zebra was beset by leopards"
    set upon.
  3. verb decorate or cover lavishly (as with gems)
    incrust; encrust.

WordNet

Be*set" transitive verb
Etymology
AS. besettan (akin to OHG. bisazjan, G. besetzen, D. bezetten); pref. be- + settan to set. See Set.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Beset; present participle & verbal noun Besetting
Definitions
  1. To set or stud (anything) with ornaments or prominent objects.
    A robe of azure beset with drops of gold. Spectator.
    The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet shrubs that it perfumes the air. Evelyn.
  2. To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade. "Beset with foes." Milton.
    Let thy troops beset our gates. Addison.
  3. To set upon on all sides; to perplex; to harass; -- said of dangers, obstacles, etc. "Adam, sore beset, replied." Milton. "Beset with ills." Addison. "Incommodities which beset old age." Burke.
  4. To occupy; to employ; to use up. Obs. Chaucer. Syn. -- To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege; encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press.

Webster 1913