BEHOOVE

behoove, behove

(verb) be appropriate or necessary; “It behooves us to reflect on this matter”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Verb

behoove (third-person singular simple present behooves, present participle behooving, simple past and past participle behooved)

(chiefly, US) Alternative form of behove.

Source: Wiktionary

Be*hoove", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Behooved; p. pr. & vb. n. Behooving.] Etym: [OE. bihoven, behoven, AS. beh to have need of, fr. beh. See Behoof.]

Definition: To be necessary for; to be fit for; to be meet for, with respect to necessity, duty, or convenience; -- mostly used impersonally. And thus it behooved Christ to suffer. Luke xxiv. 46. [Also written behove.]

Be*hoove", v. i.

Definition: To be necessary, fit, or suitable; to befit; to belong as due. Chaucer.

Be*hoove", n.

Definition: Advantage; behoof. [Obs.] It shall not be to his behoove. Gower.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition