Easton's Bible Dictionary

The Israelites "borrowed" from the Egyptians (Exodus 12:35, R.V., "asked") in accordance with a divine command (3:22; 11:2). But the word (sha'al) so rendered here means simply and always to "request" or "demand." The Hebrew had another word which is properly translated "borrow" in Deuteronomy 28:12; Psalm 37:21. It was well known that the parting was final. The Egyptians were so anxious to get the Israelites away out of their land that "they let them have what they asked" (Exodus 12:36, R.V.), or literally "made them to ask," urged them to take whatever they desired and depart. (see LOAN.)

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To receive from another as a loan, with the implied or expressed intention of returning the identical article or its equivalent in kind; -- the opposite of lend.

2. (v. t.) To take (one or more) from the next higher denomination in order to add it to the next lower; -- a term of subtraction when the figure of the subtrahend is larger than the corresponding one of the minuend.

3. (v. t.) To copy or imitate; to adopt; as, to borrow the style, manner, or opinions of another.

4. (v. t.) To feign or counterfeit.

5. (v. t.) To receive; to take; to derive.

6. (n.) Something deposited as security; a pledge; a surety; a hostage.

7. (n.) The act of borrowing.