Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Bethink, v. P.t. bethocht, -ght, bethoucht(e, bethowght. [ME. bethinke, earlier bethenke, bethenche, OE. beþencan.]

1. refl. To occupy (oneself) with thought; to think. Also const. of, that, etc. a1400 Leg. S. vii. 473.
He hyme bethocht That in na maner tha mocht Lange hald the towne Ib. xviii. 274.
He bethoucht hyme a lytil we c1420 Wynt. vi. 937.
He bethowcht hym off a wyle 15.. Clar. i. 1008.
He stuid and sadlie him bethocht whither [etc.] c1550 Rolland C. Venus ii. 3.
He him bethocht for to fang sum defence a1578 Pitsc. I. 324/10.
He bethocht him of ane craftie meane to ieopardie him self

2. intr. To think, be of opinion. 1560 Rolland Seven S. 18/19.
Sa ilk ane said as thai that time bethocht 1639 Johnston Diary 58.
[They] have bethoght and better bethoght … upon the present necessities of the armie