v. Obs. Also 3 bismit, 4 besmet, 5 bismyt. [f. BE- 2 + SMIT v.] trans. To stain, infect (as with disease), contaminate. (Mostly fig.)
[971. Blickl. Hom., 85. Þu woldest symle þone besmitan þe þu nan wiht yfles on nystest.]
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 214. Kumeð forð biuoren his Louerde bismitted [v.r. bismuddet] and bismeoruwed.
1340. Ayenb., 32. A uice huerof al þe wordle is besmet. Ibid., 229. Þet ne is naȝt besmetted ine herte mid kueade þoȝtes.
1480. Caxton, Trevisa’s Descr. Brit., 52. He is bismytted with their treson also.
