Beset \Be*set"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Beset; p. pr. & vb. n. Besetting.]

[AS. besettan (akin to OHG. bisazjan, G. besetzen, D. bezetten); pref. be- + settan to set. See Set.]

1. To set or stud (anything) with ornaments or prominent objects.

A robe of azure beset with drops of gold. --Spectator.

The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet shrubs that it perfumes the air. --Evelyn.

2. To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade. ``Beset with foes.'' --Milton.

Let thy troops beset our gates. --Addison.

3. To set upon on all sides; to perplex; to harass; -- said of dangers, obstacles, etc. ``Adam, sore beset, replied.'' --Milton. ``Beset with ills.'' --Addison. ``Incommodities which beset old age.'' --Burke.

4. To occupy; to employ; to use up. [Obs.]

--Chaucer.

Syn: To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege; encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)