baste

¹

[beyst]

verb (used with object)

basted, basting 

1. to sew with long, loose stitches, as in temporarily tacking together pieces of a garment while it is being made.

baste

²

[beyst]

verb (used with object)

basted, basting 

1. to moisten (meat or other food) while cooking, with drippings, butter, etc.

noun

1. liquid used to moisten and flavor food during cooking.

   a baste of sherry and pan juices.

baste

³

[beyst]

verb (used with object)

basted, basting 

1. to beat with a stick; thrash; cudgel.

2. to denounce or scold vigorously.

   an editorial basting the candidate for irresponsible statements.

baste

¹

/ beɪst /

verb

1. (tr) to sew with loose temporary stitches

baste

²

/ beɪst /

verb

1. to moisten (meat) during cooking with hot fat and the juices produced

baste

³

/ beɪst /

verb

1. (tr) to beat thoroughly; thrash

Word History and Origins

Origin of baste¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English basten, from Anglo-French, Middle French bastir “to build, baste,” from Germanic; compare Old High German bestan “to mend, patch,” Middle High German besten “to lace, tie”; bast

Origin of baste²

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English basten, baist, of obscure origin; perhaps from Old French, Middle French basser “to soak (bread), moisten (meat)”

Origin of baste³

First recorded in 1525–35; variant of baist, perhaps from Old Norse beysta “to beat, thrash”; perhaps from baste ² ( def. ) (the ladle for cooking used as a weapon)

Word History and Origins

Origin of baste¹

C14: from Old French bastir to build, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German besten to sew with _bast

Origin of baste²

C15: of uncertain origin

Origin of baste³

C16: probably from Old Norse beysta

Example Sentences

When it comes to flavoring and seasoning a steak, I like keeping it minimalist: heavily seasoned with salt and then simply basted with rosemary, garlic and butter.

From Salon

Some baste their eggs in hot fat, some insist on a lid to trap steam and ensure even cooking.

From Salon

Not so readily, however: The researchers cut a black spatula into small pieces and basted them in 320-degree cooking oil for 15 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

Baste every 25 to 40 minutes depending upon the turkeys total roasting time, aim to baste four to five times over the entire roasting time for your particular bird.

From Salon

Place the lamb chops on a medium sheet tray and baste with a liberal amount of the charmoula marinade, about 1 tablespoon per chop.

From Salon

Related Words

• grease