Only in phr. Bote of beam: remedy, improvement, restoration. Obs.
[Referred by Mätzner to BEAM sb.1 2, taking the cross as typical of misfortune and distress. But may not bote of beam be = ‘repair of timbers,’ used proverbially to signify repair or amendment of any kind?]
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron., 90. Þer he wist bote of beam, he went þat viage To William þe rede kyng. Ibid., 103. For seke is þe kyng, of him is no bote of beem.
