Belave

From Middle English bilaven ("to wash all over"), from bi-, be- + laven ("to wash, pour water on"), from Old English lafian, ġelafian ("to pour water on, refresh"), from Proto-Germanic *labōną ("to refresh, strengthen"), from Proto-Indo-European *lōbh- ("to strengthen oneself, rest"), equivalent to - + lave. Cogante with Dutch laven ("to refresh"), German laben ("to refresh"). More at lave.

Full definition of belave

Verb

1. (transitive) To lave or wash about; wash all over; wash.

Anomalous alteration of beleve ("to remain, be alive") and belive ("to remain, stay"), both from Middle English beliven ("to remain"), from Old English belīfan ("to remain"), from Proto-Germanic *bilībaną ("to remain"), from Proto-Indo-European *lip- ("to stick, glue"). Cognate with Dutch blijven ("to remain"), German bleiben ("to remain"). More at belive, leave.

Verb

1. (archaic, intransitive) to remain, continue; to belay
2. (archaic, intransitive) to be alive

Related terms

• belive