Obs. Also 1 betræppan, 3–4 bi-, betrappe(n, 5–6 betrappe. [OE. betręppan, -træppan, f. BE- 1 + tręppan to TRAP. Cf. the later ATTRAP from Fr.] trans. To catch in a trap, entrap, ensnare, circumvent, enclose.

1

a. 1000.  O. E. Chron., an. 992 (MS. C.). Meahton hy þone here betreppan [MS. F. betræppan, E. betræppen].

2

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 174. Beo heo bitrappet [MS. C. bitreppet] þer ute.

3

c. 1490.  Caxton, Four Sons Aymon, xvi. (1885), 384. Ha, ha Reynawde, by my soule ye be now taken & betrapped!

4

1570.  Levins, Manip., 27. To Betrappe, irretire, circumuenire.

5

1575.  Churchyard, Chippes (1817), 154. Betrapt in penfeld close.

6

[1848.  Petrie & Stev., tr. O. E. Chron. (1853), 75. Could anywhere betrap the army about.]

7

  b.  fig.

8

1393.  Gower, Conf., III. 257. Her innocence to betrappe.

9

1556.  Abp. Parker, Psalter cxl. 403. Let theyr lippes in crafty wickednes Betrap themselfe.

10