[f. as prec.]
1. Earnest entreaty, intercession, supplication.
c. 1300. in Wright’s Lyric P., xxxiv. 95. Heo mai don us god, thurh hire bysechynge.
1480. Caxton, Chron. Eng., ccxii. 198. At the prayer and besechyng of his lieges.
1872. Holland, Marb. Proph., 29. With a look of wild beseeching.
2. An earnest request, entreaty, prayer.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter xvi[i]. 1. Bihald what mi bisekinge es.
1340. Ayenb., 98. Þe bezechinge þet he ous made … þet wes þet pater noster.
1480. Caxton, Chron. Eng., ccxxxii. 251. Continuel besechynges of many noble man.
1659. Milton, Rupt. Commw., Wks. (1851), 403. By publick Addresses, and brotherly beseechings.
1882. W. S. Blunt, Sonn. Proteus, Vanitas Van. O glorious sighs, Sublime beseechings.
† b. A plea, petition. Obs.
1340. Ayenb., 39. Ualse playneres þet makeþ ualse bezechinges.
