behest

Definition

A command, bidding; sometimes also, an authoritative request; now usually in the phrase at the behest of and at one's behest.

Etymology

From Middle English biheste, from Old English behǣs (“vow, promise”), from Proto-West Germanic *bihaisi, from *bi- (“be-”) + *haisi (“command”), from Proto-Germanic *haisiz, from *haitaną (“to command”). Final -t by analogy with other similar words in -t. Related to Old English behātan (“to command, promise”), Middle Low German beheit, behēt (“a promise”). Compare also hest (“command”), hight.

Example Sentences

• "Moſt great and puiſant Monarke of the earth, Your Baſſoe wil accompliſh your beheſt: […]"
• "to do his master's high behest"
• "I have spells for the north, I have charms for the west, / And the south and the east must obey my behest."