v. Obs. Also bi-, by-; for forms see CATCH. [f. BE- 2 + CATCH v.]
1. trans. To lay hold of, seize upon.
c. 1200. Trin. Coll. Hom., 35. Þe wilde deor þe þis oref waneð, and wile bicachen it … and wile mid strengðe binimen.
2. To take by craft; to beguile, cheat, deceive.
c. 1200. Ormin, 11628. Ȝiff þe Laferrd haffde þær þatt wise makedd lafess … þa wære he þær bikæchedd.
1340. Ayenb., 125. Prudence lokeþ þane scele, þet hi ne bi becaȝt.
c. 1460. How Wif taught Doughter, 174, in Hazl., E. P. P., 192. What man that the wedde schalle, than is he nought bycaught.
