Befit is a verb meaning "to be appropriate or suitable for". Historically, it is from the intensive prefix be- + fit. The adjective/verb fit is of uncertain Middle English origin, perhaps related to a sense of 'arranging, marshalling'. The visible construction is part of the etymology: befit is not just an unanalyzed simple word. The semantic history matters here: the earlier use is the starting point, and the modern sense, "to be appropriate or suitable for", is the later or specialized English value. The historical chain is anchored in Old English be-. Close English family members include befitting, befittingly, befitted, and fit.