- beg⇄beg (1), verb, begged,begging.
- beg⇄beg (2), noun. bey.
- beg⇄expr. beg off, to make an excuse for not being able to keep a promise.
Ex. He had promised to come but he begged off because of a headache. - beg⇄expr. beg the question. See under question.
- beg⇄expr. go begging, to find no one who will accept.
Ex. His proposals for needed reforms went begging. - beg⇄v.i. 1. to ask help or charity.
Ex. The crippled old man lived by begging.
2. to make entreaty; petition.
Ex. The prisoner begged for mercy. - beg⇄v.t. 1. to ask for (food, money, clothes, lodging, or help) as a charity.
Ex. The tramp begged his meals.
2. to ask as a favor; ask earnestly or humbly.
Ex. He begged his mother to forgive him.
3. to ask formally and courteously