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.
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Love betters what is best. --Wordsworth.
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He thought to better his circumstances. --Thackeray.
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2. To improve the condition of, morally, physically,
financially, socially, or otherwise.
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The constant effort of every man to better himself.
--Macaulay.
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3. To surpass in excellence; to exceed; to excel.
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The works of nature do always aim at that which can
not be bettered. --Hooker.
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4. To give advantage to; to support; to advance the interest
of. [Obs.]
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Weapons more violent, when next we meet,
May serve to better us and worse our foes. --Milton.
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Syn: To improve; meliorate; ameliorate; mend; amend; correct;
emend; reform; advance; promote.
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