| Bertillon system |
a system used before the adoption of fingerprinting for identification, esp. of criminals, through records of bodily measurements, markings, coloring, and the like. |
| beryl |
a crystalline mineral, aluminum beryllium silicate, from which beryllium and certain gemstones such as emeralds are derived. |
| beryllium |
a chemical element of the alkaline-earth group that has four protons in each nucleus and occurs in pure form as a hard, light, gray solid, chiefly used in alloys with copper and in aerospace material. (symbol: Be) |
| bescreen |
(archaic) to conceal as if by covering with a screen; hide from sight. |
| beseech |
to request urgently; implore. [3 definitions] |
| beset |
to set upon or assail from all sides; besiege. [2 definitions] |
| besetting |
constantly attacking, troubling, or preoccupying, as a temptation or sin. |
| beside |
next to; at the side of. [3 definitions] |
| beside oneself |
in a state of extreme agitation or excitement. |
| besides |
moreover. [4 definitions] |
| beside the point |
not relevant to the main focus of interest or discussion. |
| besiege |
to surround with enemy forces; lay siege to. [2 definitions] |
| besmear |
to stain or soil by, or as if by, smearing. |
| besmirch |
to tarnish or soil. [2 definitions] |
| besom |
a broom, esp. one formed by a bundle of twigs or brush attached to a handle. |
| be sorry |
to suffer the consequences. |
| besot |
to confuse or make foolish with, or as if with, strong drink (often used reflexively). |
| besought |
a past tense and past participle of beseech. |
| bespangle |
to cover or decorate with, or as with, spangles. |
| bespatter |
to splash and soil with drops or bits of matter; spatter. [2 definitions] |
| bespeak |
to arrange for or reserve in advance. [2 definitions] |