Behest
/bɪˈhɛst/noun
An authoritative command, order, or request.
Did you know?Behest comes from Old English *behǣs*/*behǣstan*, tied to the idea of a solemn charge or promise, which is why it still carries that old, binding force of authority.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
behǣs
“a promise, vow, or command”
Old English
OE
behǣstan
“to command, order, or enjoin”
Middle English
ME
beheste
“a command, order, or promise”
14th–15th Century
English
behest
“a command, injunction, or authoritative request”
Modern English
EN
behest
“an authoritative command or request”