Obs. In advb. phr. a belef. [a. OF. à belif, beslif (:—late L. type *bis-līquus = oblīquus; cf. F. beslong, med.L. beslongus = L. oblongus). Cf. EMBELIFE.] Obliquely, aslant; scarf-wise.
c. 1340. Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 2486. Þe blykkande belt he bere þeraboute, A belef as a bauderyk. Ibid., 2517. Vche burne … a bauderyk schulde haue, A bende a belef hym aboute.
