beseem

verb

1. (ambitransitive, archaic)Generally with a qualifying word such as ill or well: to appear, look, or seem (a certain way for someone or something).

   “This inn beseems well for a weary wayfarer.”

   “To ſay the truth, this fact was infamous, / And ill beſeeming any common man; / Much more a Knight, a Captaine, and a Leader.”

   “VVith that, her angels Face, vnſeene afore, / Like to the ruddie morne appeard in ſight, / Deawed with ſiluer drops, through ſweating ſore, / But ſomewhat redder, then beſeem'd aright, / Through toyleſome heate and labour of her weary fight.”

   “Alt[ea]. Shee would faine marry. / 1. Tis a proper calling, / And well beſeemes her yeares, who would ſhe yoke with?”

   “The Nationall Aſſembly of this Kirk, from which we have our Commiſſion, did promiſe in their thankſgiving for the many favours expreſſed in Your Majeſties Letter, their beſt endeavours to keep the people under their charge, in unity and peace, and in loyalty and obedience to Your Majeſtie and Your Laws, which we confeſſe is a duty well beſeeming the preachers of the Goſpel: […]”

2. (ambitransitive, archaic)Without any qualifying word: to be appropriate or creditable (for someone or something).

   “It beseems you not to grumble thus.”

   “Giue me their Bodyes, that I may beare them hence / And giue them Buriall, as beſeemes their worth.”

   “VVell Mortimer, ile make thee rue thoſe vvords. / Beſeemes it thee to contradict thy King?”

   “Sad pauſe, and deepe regard beſeemes the ſage, / My part is youth and beates theſe from the ſtage.”

   “Should wee hereupon frame a rule that what forme of ſpeech or behauiour ſoeuer is fit for ſuters in a Princes Court, the ſame and no other beſeemeth vs in our prayers to Almightie God?”