1. past tense of betoken; indicated or signified something, especially something to come
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• The dark clouds betokened an approaching storm.
• Her nervous laughter betokened anxiety about the interview.
• The early frost betokened a harsh winter ahead.
• His silence betokened disapproval of the plan.
• The red sky at dawn betokened rough weather to come.
• The dog’s restless behavior betokened the arrival of strangers.