Obs. [OE. býsenian, býsnian, f. býsen; see prec. Cf. also ON. býsna to portend, bode.] trans.
1. a. To set an example to; only in OE. b. To afford an example or type of, typify, betoken.
a. 1000. K. Ælfred, Boeth., xxxiii. § 4. Ne bisnode þe nan man, forþam ðe nan ær þe næs. Ibid., xxxix. § 11. Ða bisnodon hiora aftergengum.
c. 1325. Metr. Hom., 111. Pik that cleues quen it is tan, Bisens deling wit wik man, For his sin clefes on god men. Ibid., 124. Water bisenes sin and pliht.
2. To liken, compare.
c. 1325. Metr. Hom., 37. Mani man mai bisend be Unto the rede.
