Б-277

БЫТЬ ПО СЕМУ obs, now humor (sent Invar fixed WO

(used to express the speaker's agreement with, support of some suggestion, idea etc) let it be that way

so be it.

Предоставить актерам его высочества герцога Орлеанского... зал в Малом Бурбоне, утвердить им пенсию, незначенную герцогом Орлеанским. Играть им в очередь с итальянской труппой... И быть по сему! (Булгаков 5). It was decreed that the Players of His Highness Due d'Orleans...be given a hall at the Petit Bourbon and confirmed in the pension declared by the Due d'Orleans. They were to take turns with the Italian troupe... .And so be it! (5a).

Originally, the written formula phrase used by tsars and tsarinas at the end of official documents to express their support, approval etc of the material contained therein.