entymology of the word behave?

Question

I understand what it means to be but what is the meaning of have. I believe the word is old english
it really has bugged me for a loooong time

Answer 1

First of all, you mean etymology, which is the history and origin of words. Entomology, with an n, is the study of insects. One letter can make a big difference.

Pronunciation: bi-'hAv, bE-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): be·haved; be·hav·ing
Etymology: Middle English behaven, from be- + haven to have, hold
transitive verb
1 : to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way
2 : to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner
intransitive verb
1 : to act, function, or react in a particular way
2 : to conduct oneself properly
- be·hav·er noun
synonyms BEHAVE, CONDUCT, DEPORT, COMPORT, ACQUIT mean to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way. BEHAVE may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous . CONDUCT implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself . DEPORT implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety . COMPORT suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position . ACQUIT applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations .

Answer 2

Save "entomology" for the bugs!

At to "behave," it appeared in English around 1410, derived from the particle "be" meaning "thoroughly" and the verb "have" which meant "to possess, or to bear oneself."

It is a mixture of the Anglo-Saxon and Norman French.

Answer 3

According to my "Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary," the etymology of "behave" is: from Middle English, "be-" thoroughly + "have" to hold oneself, act.

By the way, "word history and origin" is "etymology." "Entomology" is the study of insects.

Answer 4

"behave"
"c.1410, from be- intensive prefix + have in the sense of "to have or bear oneself in a particular way, comport." O.E. behabban meant "to contain." Behavior is 1490, from havour, altered (by influence of have) from aver, from O.Fr. aveir "to have." "

Online Etymology Dictionary : http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=behave&searchmode=none