befang

[bəˈfæŋ]

befang means to lay hold on; seize; grasp; catch; clutch. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 91 out of 100.

befang is pronounced [bəˈfæŋ].

Etymology

From Middle English befon (past participle befangen), from Old English befōn (“to surround, clasp, include, envelop, encase, clothe, comprehend, seize, attack (at law), lay hold of, catch, ensnare, contain, receive, conceive, explain”), equivalent to be- + fang. Cognate with Dutch bevangen (“to seize”), Middle High German bevāhen (“to comprehend”).

verb

To lay hold on; seize; grasp; catch; clutch.“Come here an' I'll befang thee!”
To take hold on; begin or commence upon.
To encompass; enclose; contain; comprehend.