obtest verb. [ǝb'tɛst] M16.
[Latin obtestari call to witness, protest by, from ob- OB- + testari bear witness, call upon as witness.]
1. verb trans. Call on in the name of something sacred, adjure; implore, entreat, (a person that, to do). M16.
■ Sir W. Scott Other Chiefs..obtested their Chieftain to leave them..to the leading of Ardenvohr.
b. Beg earnestly for (a thing). rare. L16-L17.

2. verb intrans. Make earnest entreaty; call heaven to witness. (Foll. by that, against.) E17.
■ R. Baxter He..obtested with them that they..take in good part what was delivered with a good intention.
■ Pope Eumaeus heav'd His hands obtesting.

3. verb trans. Call (God, heaven, etc.) to witness; appeal to in confirmation of something. rare. E17.

■ obte'station noun the action or an act of obtesting; entreaty, supplication; a solemn appeal: M16.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲