from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Better \Bet"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bettered}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Bettering}.] [AS. beterian, betrian, fr. betera better.
See {Better}, a.]
1. To improve or ameliorate; to increase the good qualities
of.
[1913 Webster]
Love betters what is best. --Wordsworth.
[1913 Webster]
He thought to better his circumstances. --Thackeray.
[1913 Webster]
2. To improve the condition of, morally, physically,
financially, socially, or otherwise.
[1913 Webster]
The constant effort of every man to better himself.
--Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
3. To surpass in excellence; to exceed; to excel.
[1913 Webster]
The works of nature do always aim at that which can
not be bettered. --Hooker.
[1913 Webster]
4. To give advantage to; to support; to advance the interest
of. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Weapons more violent, when next we meet,
May serve to better us and worse our foes. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To improve; meliorate; ameliorate; mend; amend; correct;
emend; reform; advance; promote.
[1913 Webster]