obtest

obtest

English

Etymology

    Borrowed from Latin obtestor.

    Pronunciation

    • IPA(key): /ɒbˈtɛst/

    Verb

    obtest (third-person singular simple present obtests, present participle obtesting, simple past and past participle obtested)

    1. (archaic, ambitransitive) To implore, beseech, plead, beg.
    2. (archaic, ambitransitive) To call on a witness (often God) to confirm that something is true.
      • 1697, Virgil, “The Eleventh Book of the Æneis”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. [], London: [] Jacob Tonson, [], →OCLC, page 542, lines 149–152:
        Now Suppliants, from Laurentum ſent, demand
        A Truce, with Olive Branches in their hand.
        Obteſt his Clemency, and from the Plain
        Beg leave to draw the Bodies of their ſlain.