v. [OE. beceorfan, f. BE- 3 + ceorfan to CARVE.]

1

  † 1.  trans. To cut off. Obs. (Cf. behead.)

2

a. 1000.  Beowulf, 3185. And hine þá héafde becearf.

3

a. 1230.  Ancr. R., 362. Loðlease meidenes þe … hefdes bikoruen.

4

  † 2.  To cut up, open up (land). Obs.

5

1388.  Wyclif, Isa. xxviii. 24. Whether he that erith … schal be kerue [1382 forth cutten] and purge his londe?

6

  3.  To cut in pieces, carve.

7

1863.  Alcock, Capit. Tycoon, I. 272. The chance of being becarved by two-sworded samourai in pursuit of their game.

8