Be*have" (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Behaved (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Behaving.] [AS. behabban to surround, restrain, detain (akin
to G. gehaben (obs.) to have, sich gehaben to behave or carry
one's self); pref. be- + habban to have. See Have,
v. t. ] 1. To manage or govern in
point of behavior; to discipline; to handle; to restrain. [Obs.]
He did behave his anger ere 't was spent.
Shak.
2. To carry; to conduct; to comport; to manage; to
bear; -- used reflexively.
Those that behaved themselves manfully.
2 Macc. ii. 21.
Be*have", v. i. To act; to conduct; to
bear or carry one's self; as, to behave well or ill.
☞ This verb is often used colloquially without an adverb of manner;
as, if he does not behave, he will be punished. It is also often
applied to inanimate objects; as, the ship behaved splendidly.