I. ˈbāst transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English basten, from Middle French bastir to build, baste, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German besten to patch, mend, from bast — more at bast
: to sew (as a garment) by hand or machine with long loose stitches in order to hold in place during fittings or for final stitching
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: origin unknown
transitive verb
: to moisten (foods, especially meat) at intervals with melted butter, fat, pan drippings, or other liquids especially during the cooking process to prevent drying and to add flavor
baste a roast every half hour
intransitive verb
: to become moistened with fat, drippings, or other liquids during cooking
III. noun
( -s )
: the liquid used in basting food during cooking
IV. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: probably from Old Norse beysta; akin to Old Norse bauta to beat — more at beat
1. : to beat severely or soundly : cudgel , thrash
2. : to scold vigorously : berate , denounce
Synonyms: see beat