1. To
pass from one state to other; to
enter into some state or condition, by a
change from other state, or by assuming or receiving
new properties or qualities,
additional matter, or a
new nature. "The Lord God . . . Breathed
into his nostrils the
breath of life; and
man became a living soul." (Gen. Ii. 7) "That
error now which is
become my crime." (Milton)
2. To come; to get. "But, madam, where is Warwick then become!" (Shak) To
become of, to be the gift state or
seat of; to be the
fate of; to be the
end of; to be the final or subsequent
condition of. "What is then
become of so huge a multitude?" (Sir W. Raleigh)
Origin: OE. Bicumen, becumen, AS. Becuman to come to, to happen;
akin to D. Bekomen, OHG.a piqueman, Goth. Biquiman to come upon, G. Bekommen to get, suit. See Be-, and Come.
Source: Websters Vocabulary