be·to·ken

[bih-toh-kuhn]
verb (used with object)
1.
to give evidence of; indicate: to betoken one's fidelity with a vow; a kiss that betokens one's affection.
2.
to be or give a token or sign of; portend: a thunderclap that betokens foul weather; an angry word that betokens hostility.

Origin:
1125–75; Middle English bitocnen, bitacnen. See be-, token

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
betoken (bɪˈtəʊkən) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to indicate; signify: black clothes betoken mourning
2.  to portend; augur

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10
Betoken is one of our favorite verbs.
So is fletcherise. Does it mean:
to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.
to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

betoken
late 12c., from be- + O.E. tacnian "to signify," from tacn "sign" (see token).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Presidents directions in this regard betoken a singular insight.
The appearance of those who had been in consultation did not betoken a hopeful prospect for impeachment.
Possibly the correspondent may be right, though his actions did not betoken such a purpose.
The entries in combination betoken a sale rather than a lease.
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