beshrew

[ bih-shroo ]

/ bɪˈʃru /

to curse; invoke evil upon.

Origin of beshrew

First recorded in 1275–1325, beshrew is from the Middle English word beshrewen. See be-, shrew¹

Beshrew me, Wolf, if men will not think that you are going on a masquerade when they see you thus attired in our peaceful hall.

Runnymede and Lincoln Fair |J.G. Edgar
Beshrew the wench, she wots she is a good servant, and takes advantage.

The Cloister and the Hearth |Charles Reade
Beshrew me if I do not think he is such a creature as was of late taken in the sea on the coast of Suffolk.

Runnymede and Lincoln Fair |J.G. Edgar
Retire softly, I did not look for you these two hours, Lady, Beshrew your hast: that way.

The Mad Lover |Francis Beaumont

I sidled over to a bench in the far corner and was feeling almost safe, when Pierre—beshrew him!

Helmet of Navarre |Bertha Runkle

beshrew

/ (bɪˈʃruː) /

(tr) archaic to wish evil on; curse (used in mild oaths such as beshrew me)

C14: see be-, shrew