“Bewitch” uses “be-” in its meaning as an intensifier of verbs, to thoroughly witch something.
“bewitch, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 6 May 2015.
The word uses the intensifier function of “be-” to strengthen the lost-ness of archaic verb “wilder” – to lose one’s way or be pathless. It’s in common use, although the root verb is archaic. Wouldn’t that be a lovely word to encounter in a story? Wildered? We do have wilderland and wilderness coming up. After all, we “are come to the very edge of the Wild,” (03.006).
“bewilder, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 6 May 2015.
Only Bilbo’s gift of the Arkenstone to Bard earns the word “betray”. In this word, be- is an intensifier added to the obsolete verb “tray” – to trouble, vex, or afflict. It took two thirds of the book for Bilbo to grow into someone close and trusted enough for his actions to be betrayal.
“betray, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 6 May 2015.
“Beset” is the causative verb for “besit”. The “be-” prefix is only traced to its general sense of “about”. I am delighted to realize, however, that if I set something down, I cause it to sit. This word falls off in use after 1850 (Google Ngram Viewer), but is not yet archaic in the meaning for which Tolkien uses it.
“beset, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 7 May 2015.
“Besiege” uses the first meaning of “be-“, to surround physically. Surround the enemy, block the flow of food in to them, and wait for surrender.
“besiege, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 7 May 2015.
“Benight” uses be- in its capacity as a Maker of Verbs with the sense of surround.
The derivative adjective “benighted”carries the metaphorical connotation of having been morally corrupted. Tolkien uses it here, however, in its old meaning. Goblins caught travellers who had become surrounded by night. The OED tells us that this meaning is obsolete, although we find it perfectly understandable.
“benighted, adj.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 7 May 2015.
Our present sense of “see” for behold has lost a bit of beauty. “Behold” uses the “be-” meaning of “around”, and in its early years “behold” was definitely all about holding something around its middle or throat or other hold-able part. From holding on or retaining something, the meaning moved to holding an idea firmly in one’s mind and considering it. From thence to “observe” in the mind or with the eyes, and now our usual use.
“behold, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 7 May 2015.
This is just good old-fashioned orthography. “Be gone!” Imperative “be” followed by verbal adjective “gone”, used together so many times that the space between them retired. We do not have “bego, bewent”, but neither do we have “isgone, wasgone”. I am reminded of Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Act IV, Scene 1 – “I am gone, though I am here.”
“begone, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 7 May 2015.
Shall we begin a petition to change the social media act of “friending” to the perfectly good old word “befriend”? In this case, the “be-” makes the verb from the noun. “Friend” is a noun.
P. S. If you really want to bebother me, invite me to “vision” with yourself and your committee.
“befriend, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 7 May 2015.
To make foul or dirty, this instance of “be-” forms the verb out of the adjective “foul”. In the 13 and 1400s, this word slowly replaced “befile”, an interesting formation of be-defile.
I note that the filth that one is covered with when befouled often refers to metaphorical moral filth. All in this passage has been befouled by Smaug’s coming and goings – and also his malice? More on the malice of dragons in Legard.
“befoul, v.” OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 7 May 2015.
Legard, Sara. “Essential Dragons Beyond Tolkien’s Middle Earth”. Mythmoot II Proceedings. Mythgard Institute. Web.
words that you were saying 