besa
- noun
- /ˈbɛsə/
- When she received his besa, she felt reassured that he would follow through on his promise.
Examples
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In Albanian culture, a besa is a pledge that reflects one's honor and integrity.
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You will do your besa.
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When you wander about, the food you eat, whether it's a besa or whatever, is only a small part of what is in that area.
Fiction book (1997) -
That the being was a besa, an animal frequently used for food, was unknown to you then, but understood by you now.
Fiction book (1997) -
"Because the besa might have mud and return the favor in the future by giving you mud when you need it."
Fiction book (1997) -
Two of earth's besa warriors have been aaken...
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In my haste to decide how to act at the time, I assumed that the besa was more nearly human and deserving of my protection.
Fiction book (1997) -
"And so when I saw Grenabeloso and the besa, I was acting like a pack hunter defending one of my own kind against a predator."
Fiction book (1997) -
He made a solemn besa to protect his family at all costs.
Synonyms
385
3.6
A formal promise made in a serious or official situation
206
3.7
A serious promise to do or stop doing something
8
4.0
A serious promise to tell the truth or keep a secret
1
9.9
A promise of loyalty to a ruler or leader given in a ceremony
A serious agreement between God and people in the Bible
How Serious
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word besa comes from the Albanian word besë, meaning 'faith' or 'trust', and it names a sacred promise in Albanian tradition to keep your word or protect someone. So a besa is like a very strong 'vow' you must never break.