Beguile

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪl
• IPA: bɪˈgaɪl

Alternative forms

• begyle from the Middle English period through the 16th century

Origin

From Middle English begilen, begylen, equivalent to - + guile. Compare Middle Dutch beghijlen ("to beguile"). See also bewile.

Full definition of beguile

Verb

1. (transitive) To deceive or delude (using guile).
• a. 1608 William Shakespeare, , II, II, 102.I know, sir, I am no flatterer: he that beguiled you, in a plain accent, was a plain knave.
2. (transitive) To charm, delight or captivate.
• 1864 November 21, Abraham Lincoln (signed) or John Hay, letter to Mrs. Bixby in BostonI feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming.

Related terms

• wile