befana (befana)

[It., In nursery parlance the Befana has two aspects; she not only brings gifts to good children, but is the terror of the naughty. N. and Q., 6th ser., IX. 422. 3. A large rag doll, representing the Befana, placed on the chimneys of cottages, etc., or displayed in shops, in Italy, where Epiphany gifts are sold, for the terror or amusement of children. [The above meanings and customs have reference to the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mat. ii. 11) brought by the Magi to the child Jesus, which the feast of the Epiphany commemorates. The grotesque blackened figures often exhibited are explained by the tradition that one of the three wise kings was an Ethiopian.] be feather (bē-fern'er), v. t. [ befell (bē-fel'). Preterit of befall. be fetter (be-fet'er), v. t. [ Carlyle , French Rev., II. i. 10. beffroit, n. [F.] See belfry . beffroyt, n. In her ., same as vair . befilet, v. t. [Early mod. E. also befyle , befylen , befilen (mixed (mixed with befulen , befoulen , which rest directly upon ful , foul , foul), befylan , fylan , file, foul, ful , foul: see file2, foull, and befoul , and cf. defile1 .] To make filthy; befoul; soil.