v. [f. BE- 1 + SMUT v.] trans. ‘To blacken with smoke or soot’ (J.). to dirty; also fig.

1

1610.  Holland, Camden’s Brit., I. 154. That blot wherewith Chalcondilas hath besmutted our nation.

2

1656.  Earl Monm., Advt. fr. Parnass., 438. The flash did so singe his face, having monstrously besmutted him.

3

  Hence Besmutted ppl. a. (also said of wheat blackened by smut).

4

1829.  Blackw. Mag., XXVI. 33. We see the ‘rara avis,’ with beak and claws begrimed and besmutted.

5

1837.  Carlyle, Fr. Rev., III. V. iii. (D.). One besmutted, redbearded corn-ear in this which they cut.

6