1. trans. To make known, to declare, to show.
a. 1300. Havelok, 1268. Kinges sone, and kinges eyr That bikenneth that croiz so fayr.
2. To deliver.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 7242. Till his foos sco him be-kend.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron., 332. A wif þei him bikenne.
a. 1400[?]. Morte Arth., 2355. They … Bekende theme the caryage, kystis and oþer.
3. To commend or commit to the care of.
c. 1350. Will. Palerne, 5423. I bikenne ȝou to Crist þat on Croyce was peyned.
a. 1400. Relig. Pieces fr. Thornton MS. (1867), 90. His modir in keping to þe he bekende.
a. 1400[?]. Morte Arth., 482. Sir Cadore … to Crist þeme be-kennyde.
c. 1420. Sir Amadace, xxxii. Cryst of hevon, Y yo beken!
¶ See also BIKENN.
