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betoken

 - 3 dictionary results

be⋅to⋅ken

[bi-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; ME bitocnen, bitacnen. See be-, token
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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be·to·ken   (bĭ-tō'kən)   
tr.v.   be·to·kened, be·to·ken·ing, be·to·kens
To be or give a sign or portent of. See Synonyms at indicate.

[Middle English bitoknen : bi-, be- + toknen, to signify (from Old English tācnian; see deik- in Indo-European roots).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

betoken 
c.1175, from be- + O.E. tacnian "to signify," from tacn "sign" (see token).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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