Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BE-HOOVE', v.t. [behoov'; Sax. behofian, to want, to be necessary, or expedient. Supra.]

To be necessary for; to be fit for; to be meet for, with respect to necessity, duty, or convenience. And thus it behooved Christ to suffer. – Luke xxiv. It may perhaps be used intransitively; as, let him behave as it behooveth; but I believe such use is rare.