Obs. Forms: 5 be-, bynomen, benome, 6 benombe. [Orig. benomen, OE. benumen, pa. pple. of beniman ‘to deprive,’ in phrase ‘to be benome(n the power of one’s hands, etc.,’ in which sense the simple word was subseq. used elliptically. After giving origin to the vb. BENUMB (see next), its place was taken by the pa. pple. benumbed. See also BENIM.]
[1393. Gower, Conf., III. 2. Altogether he is benome The power both of hand and fete.]
a. 1400. Cursor M., 22829 (Tr.). Wemmed … on foot or honde,… crupel, croked, or bynomen.
1474. Caxton, Chesse, 104. Peple lese her membris and become half benomen. Ibid. (1483), Gold. Leg., 85/3. Theyr armes were bynomen and of no power.
1530. Palsgr., 306/1. Benombe of ones lymbes, perchus. Ibid., 448/2. He is now benomme of his lymmes.
