BEGUINE
Be`guine", n. Etym: [F. béguine; LL. beguina, beghina; fr. Lambert le
Bègue (the Stammerer) the founder of the order. (Du Cange.)]
Defn: A woman belonging to one of the religious and charitable associations or communities in the Netherlands, and elsewhere, whose members live in beguinages and are not bound by perpetual vows.
BEGUM
Be"gum, n. Etym: [Per., fr. Turk., perh. properly queen mother, fr.
Turk. beg (see Beg, n.) + Ar. umm mother.]
Defn: In the East Indies, a princess or lady of high rank. Malcom.
BEGUN
Be*gun", p. p.
Defn: of Begin.
BEHALF Be*half", n. Etym: [OE. on-behalve in the name of, bihalven by the side of, fr. AS. healf half, also side, part: akin to G. halb half, halber on account of. See Be-, and Half, n.]
Defn: Advantage; favor; stead; benefit; interest; profit; support;
defense; vindication.
In behalf of his mistress's beauty. Sir P. Sidney.
Against whom he had contracted some prejudice in behalf of his
nation. Clarendon.
In behalf of, in the interest of.
— On behalf of, on account of; on the part of.
BEHAPPEN
Be*hap"pen, v. t.
Defn: To happen to. [Obs.]