beg

beg · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Ask someone earnestly or humbly for something.

  2. 2.

    Ask for food or money as charity.

  3. 3.

    (Of a dog) Sit up on its hind legs with its front paws raised.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    beg your pardon — Apologize; ask someone to repeat something.
  • •
    beg the question — Assume something that needs to be proven; raise a question.
  • •
    beg to differ — Politely disagree.
  • •
    go begging — Be unwanted or unclaimed.
  • •
    beg off — Ask to be excused from an obligation.

Related words

Antonyms: command, demand
See also: beggar, begged, begging, plead
Synonyms: beseech, entreat, implore, plead

Etymology

From Middle English beggen, possibly from Old French begart ("beggar").