Obs. [OE. bisʓu, bysʓu str. fem. abstr., f. bisiʓ BUSY a.; also bisiʓ, bysiʓ, neut. of the adj. used as sb. (only in pl. bisʓu).] Occupation, business; state of being actively employed.
a. 1000. Proem to Ælfred’s Boeth. Ða bisʓu us sint swiþe earfoþrime [and see BUSY v.1 1].
a. 1400[?]. Morte Arth., 3631. The bolde kynge es in a barge and a-bowtte rowes, Alle bare-hevvede for besye.
a. 1400. Octouian, 340. Nother of hem myght fram other ascape, For besy of fyght.
