Definition of the word beg off

The origin of the phrase "beg off" can be traced back to the early 16th century, during the Elizabethan era. Back then, the phrase was spelled as "bewgge off" and meant "to keep away." Edward III's Statute of Cambridge, enacted in 1388, included the phrase "bewgge off" in its legal language, where it was used to describe people who avoided attending court sessions. Over time, the phrase "bewgge off" evolved into "beghge off," as spelled in the 18th century. This variant of the phrase eventually became "beg off" in the mid-19th century. Although the exact reason for this linguistic shift is unclear, it is speculated that it may be due to the phonetic similarity between the words "bewgge" and "begg." In conclusion, "beg off" is a phrasal verb that originated in the Elizabethan era, and its meaning has evolved over time. Its origins can be traced back to the legal language of the 14th century, where it was used to describe people who avoided attending court sessions. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the phrase changed, leading to the modern-day term "beg off."