befang
verb[bəˈfæŋ]
Etymology From Middle English befon (past participle befangen), from Old English befōn (“to surround, clasp, include, envelop, encase, clothe, comprehend, seize, attack (at law), lay hold of, catch, ensnare, contain, receive, conceive, explain”), equivalent to be- + fang. Cognate with Dutch bevangen (“to seize”), Middle High German bevāhen (“to comprehend”).
- Come here an' I'll befang thee!
2
Obsolete To take hold on; begin or commence upon.
3
Obsolete To encompass; enclose; contain; comprehend.