Be*stow" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bestowed (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Bestowing.] [OE. bestowen; pref. be- + stow a place. See Stow.]
1.
To lay up in store; to deposit for safe keeping; to stow; to place; to put.
"He
bestowed it in a pouch."
Sir W. Scott.
See that the women are bestowed in safety.
Byron.
2.
To use; to apply; to devote, as time or strength in some occupation.
3.
To expend, as money.
[Obs.]
4.
To give or confer; to impart; -- with on or upon.
Empire is on us bestowed.
Cowper.
Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor.
1 Cor. xiii. 3.
5.
To give in marriage.
I could have bestowed her upon a fine gentleman.
Tatler.
6.
To demean; to conduct; to behave; -- followed by a reflexive pronoun.
[Obs.]
How might we see Falstaff bestow himself to-night in his true colors, and not ourselves be seen ?
Shak.
Syn. -- To give; grant; present; confer; accord.
© Webster 1913.