besetmentn.
/bɪˈsɛtmənt/ 1. The fact of besetting; concrete that by which one is beset; esp. a besetting sin, weakness, or influence.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > evil nature or character > [noun] > state of having moral defects > fault by which one is beset
beamc1000
a mote in the eyeOE
besetment1831
eye-
1831 S. Warren in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. July 67/2 To her other dreadful besetments, Mrs Dudleigh now added the odious and vulgar vice of—intoxication!
1858 T. P. Thompson Audi Alteram Partem I. xliv. 173 They yield to their peculiar besetments.
1867 W. Pengelly Trans. Devon Assoc. II. 36 Amongst the besetments of the cultivators..is that of trusting to negative evidence.
2. A condition of being hemmed in by persistent obstacles, e.g. that of a ship enclosed in ice.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > [noun] > confinement or being hemmed in
besetment1853
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xi. 84 My journal must give its own picture of this season of ‘besetment.’
1861 Life W. Scoresby v. 91 A laughable incident occurred during the besetment.
3. A condition of being beset by enemies.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > adversity > [noun]
swenchOE
derfnessc1175
wandrethc1175
adversity?c1225
derf?c1225
swinka1250
torferc1325
afflictiona1382
stressc1390
marrementc1391
sorea1400
noyancec1400
infortunacya1500
aloea1529
afflict?1529
obduction1610
afflictedness1646
strain1853
besetment1872
wahala1966
catch-arse1970
1872 C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David III. Ps. lix. 16 David's besetment by Saul's bloodhounds.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1887; most recently modified version published online March 2019).
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n.1831