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. [ 1913 Webster ]

A robe of azure beset with drops of gold. Spectator. [ 1913 Webster ]

The garden is so beset with all manner of sweet shrubs that it perfumes the air. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade. “Beset with foes.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let thy troops beset our gates. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To occupy; to employ; to use up. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To surround; inclose; environ; hem in; besiege; encircle; encompass; embarrass; urge; press. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of besetting, or the state of being beset; also, that which besets one, as a sin. “Fearing a besetment.” Kane. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who, or that which, besets. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Habitually attacking, harassing, or pressing upon or about; as, a besetting sin. [ 1913 Webster ]