v. Obs. Forms: 1 bewerian, 2–3 biwerien. [OE. bewęrian = OHG. biwarjan, biwerjan, MHG. beweren, mod.G. bewehren, f. bi-, BE- + OTeut. warjan, OHG. warian, węrian, ON. verja, OE. węrian to defend, protect: see WERE.] trans. To defend, shield, protect.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Ex. ii. 17. Þa aras Moises & bewerode þa mædenu.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 115. He scal biwerian widewan and steopbern.
a. 1250. Owl & Night., 1126. Þu … mid þine ateliche sweore Biwerest manne corn from deore.
