Bestow, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bestowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Bestowing.]
Etymology: [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.
3 more senses
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.