bete (bat)

[F., or aversion. bet2 (bet), v.; pret. and pp. bet or betted , ppr. betting . [First in early mod. E.; prob. short for abet (cf. bate2 , short for abate ) ; if so, prob. first as a noun, instigation, encouragement, support, backing, whence the verb, to give sup- port, etc.] I. trans. To pledge as a forfeit to another who makes a similar pledge in return, English, such as "peruse" " and "replete." on a future contingency, in support of an affir- mation or opinion; stake; wager. John of Gaunt loved him well, and betted much money Shak., 2 Hen. IV., iii. 2. on his head. II. in trans. To lay a wager; stake money or anything of value upon a contingency. - You bet, certainly; of course. [U. S., originally California, slang.] "Friend," said I to a Jehu, whose breath suggested gin, "Can thee convey me straightway to a reputable inn?" His answer's gro irrelevance I shall not soon for get Instead of simply yea or nay, he gruffly said, " You bet!" The Century, XI. 142.