[f. prec. + -MENT.]
1. The fact of besetting; concr. that by which one is beset; esp. a besetting sin, weakness or influence.
1830. S. Warren, Diary Physic. (1838), II. vi. 231. To her other dreadful besetments, Mrs. Dudleigh now added the odious and vulgar vice of—intoxication!
1858. Gen. P. Thompson, Audi Alt., P. I. xliv. 173. They yield to their peculiar besetments.
1867. W. Pengelly, Trans. Devon Assoc., II. 36. Amongst the besetments of the cultivators … is that of trusting to negative evidence.
2. A condition of being hemmed in by persistent obstacles, e.g., that of a ship enclosed in ice.
1853. Kane, Grinnell Exp., xi. (1856), 84. My journal must give its own picture of this season of ‘besetment.’
1861. Life W. Scoresby, v. 91. A laughable incident occurred during the besetment.
3. A condition of being beset by enemies.
1872. Spurgeon, Treas. Dav., Ps. lix. 16. David’s besetment by Saul’s bloodhounds.
