v. Pa. pple. 6 begnawn. [OE. begnaʓan, f. BE- 1 + gnaʓan to GNAW.] trans. To gnaw at; to corrode; to nibble.
a. 1000. Martyrol., 9 Jul. (Bosw.).
1555. Phaër, Æneid, III. G ij b. The pray begnawn ful fowle they leaue.
1594. Shaks., Rich. III., I. iii. 222. The Worme of Conscience still begnaw thy Soule.
1880. Webb, trans. Goethes Faust, I. iii. 87. Commands thee [i.e., a rat] yonder threshold spell begnaw.