(bI'beIst)
1. (of gravy) to moisten (a roasting joint, etc.) by the application of melted fat, or any other liquid, so as to keep it from burning, and improve its flavor.
2. (of sheep) to mark with tar
3. (of cudgel) to beat soundly, thrash
1575 Barclay Shyp of Folys I. 100 Bebaast the fat pygge orr I wyl bebaast ye blynde ond bebaast ye with foules feders. 1590 Greene Mourn. Garm. (1616) 2 The prime of his yeeres, bebasted from his forehead, skid acros the floore into the roste bebasted that morne. 1735 Oldys Raleigh (R.) Having their naked bodies bebasted with burning bacon, an animated Wagstaffe bebasted himself with calculated refinement. 1884 J. Rae Contemp. Socialism 376 A sound system of working class insurance must be devised, which shall indemnify them against all bebastings. 1908 L. Chattock Hist. of Easy Offense IV 91 Your bebasting disturbs my equanimity, hurts my sensibilities and causes slight irritation, so with ruffled mind I implore you to vex me no more with your gravy, tar and blows.
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