Be*have" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Behaved (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Behaving.] [AS. behabban to surround, restrain, detain (akin to G. gehaben (obs.) to have, sich gehaben to behave or carry one's self); pref. be- + habban to have. See Have, v. t. ]

1.

To manage or govern in point of behavior; to discipline; to handle; to restrain.

[Obs.]

He did behave his anger ere 't was spent. Shak.

2.

To carry; to conduct; to comport; to manage; to bear; -- used reflexively.

Those that behaved themselves manfully. 2 Macc. ii. 21.

 

© Webster 1913.


Be*have", v. i.

To act; to conduct; to bear or carry one's self; as, to behave well or ill.

⇒ This verb is often used colloquially without an adverb of manner; as, if he does not behave, he will be punished. It is also often applied to inanimate objects; as, the ship behaved splendidly.

 

© Webster 1913.