begotten

1 of 2

be·​got·​ten bi-ˈgä-tᵊn 

bē-

past participle of beget

There is no killing the suspicion that deceit has once begotten.

—George Eliot

This small, austerely decorated restaurant on the unfashionable end of Melrose Avenue has begotten a second establishment …

—Jean T. Barrett

begotten

2 of 2

adjective

: brought into existence by or as if by a parent

"He didn't send his only begotten son through a whirlwind …"

—Jesse Jackson

… she was also a self-absorbed alcoholic with a penchant for promiscuous infidelity and scant interest in such minor matters as her only begotten child.

—Deborah Orr

see also misbegotten, ill-begotten

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing begotten

• ill-begotten