betouch

English

Etymology

From be- +‎ touch.

Verb

betouch (third-person singular simple present betouches, present participle betouching, simple past and past participle betouched)

1. (transitive) To touch about or all over; contact; concern; regard; handle.
   • 1832, The progresses and public processions of Queen Elizabeth:

     Betouching the matter contained in your Lordship's letter, albeit I know mine own insufficiency [...]

   • 1838, James Freeman Clarke, William Henry Channing, James Handasyd Perkins, The Western messenger:

     In time's long picture gallery, Whatever's excellent indeed Will some one ever stop to see, Betouch its faded tints, [...]

   • 1852, James Grant, The Scottish cavalier:

     Betouch us too ! The wicked woman deserves to die — but her death — how horrible !

   • 1904, James Grant, The captain of the guard:

     "Tis folly, perhaps, to think of them, betouch us, too ! so near the Moat of Urr,' said the smith, with a perceptible shudder, as he glanced covertly over his shoulder.'

Derived terms

• betouch-us