Middle English word besitten comes from Proto-Germanic *sitjaną, Proto-Germanic *bi- (By, at; a general locative prefix.), German sitzen, German be-
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *sitjaną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | |
| *bi- | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | By, at; a general locative prefix. |
| sitzen | German (deu) | (intransitive) to sit; to perch. (intransitive) to stay (in one place); to remain; to be (in a particular place or state). (intransitive, colloquial) to do time; to spend time in jail. (intransitive, colloquial, of a strike, a comment, etc.) to hit home; to have a significant effect. (intransitive, in certain constructions, e.g. with voller) to be. (intransitive, of clothing) to fit. |
| be- | German (deu) | Inseparable verbal prefix that signifies discussing or mentioning the object.. Inseparable verbal prefix that signifies touching the object.. Inseparable verbal prefix that signifies working on something or change of state. |
| sittan | Old English (ang) | To sit. |
| *bisitjaną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | To sit among, sit near. |
| besittan | Old English (ang) | To sit as the master of, hold, possess.. To sit near; sit about, surround, beset. |
| besitten | Middle English (enm) |