belave

English - English

Definition of belave in English English dictionary

To wash

to remain, continue; to belay

to be alive

Etymology

() From Middle English bilaven (“to wash all over”), from bi-, be- + laven (“to wash, pour water on”), from Old English lafian, ġelafian (“to pour water on, refresh”), from Proto-Germanic *labōnan (“to refresh, strengthen”) from Proto-Indo-European *lōbh- (“to strengthen oneself, rest”). Cogante with Dutch laven (“to refresh”), German laben (“to refresh”). More at lave.