verb
bestride
bih-STRYDE/bɪˈstraɪd/
To stand or sit across something with a part on either side.
The rider bestrides the horse while adjusting the reins.
Etymology
The stride element already meant “to straddle” or “mount,” not just to take long steps. With be-, the old verb described placing the legs over something, preserving the image behind standing or sitting with one leg on each side.
In context
made his way through the front ranks clad in full armour to bestride him. As a cow stands lowing over her first calf, even so did yellow- haired Menelaus bestride Patroclus.
More examples
- A huge statue seems to bestride the harbor entrance.
- The company bestrides the industry like a giant.
- He bestrode the narrow stream with one foot on each bank.
Forms
bestride · bestrides · bestrode · bestridden · bestriding