Be*set" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Beset; p. pr. & vb. n. Besetting.] [AS. besettan (akin to OHG. bisazjan, G. besetzen, D. bezetten); pref. be- + settan to set. See Set.]
1.
To set or stud (anything) with ornaments or prominent objects.
A robe of azure beset with drops of gold.
Spectator.
The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet shrubs that it perfumes the air.
Evelyn.
2.
To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade.
"
Beset with foes."
Milton.
Let thy troops beset our gates.
Addison.
3.
To set upon on all sides; to perplex; to harass; -- said of dangers, obstacles, etc.
"Adam, sore
beset, replied."
Milton. "
Beset with ills."
Addison. "Incommodities which
beset old age."
Burke.
4.
To occupy; to employ; to use up.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
Syn. -- To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege; encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press.
© Webster 1913.