verb (used with object)
- to present as a gift; give; confer (usually followed by on or upon): The trophy was bestowed upon the winner.
- to put to some use; apply: Time spent in study is time well bestowed.
- Archaic.
- to provide quarters for; house; lodge.
- to put; stow; deposit; store.
verb (tr)
- to present (a gift) or confer (an award or honour)
- archaic to apply (energy, resources, etc)
- archaic to house (a person) or store (goods)
early 14c., bistowen “give” (as alms, etc.), from be- + stowen “to place” (see stow). Related: Bestowed; bestowing; bestower.