Definition of "need-be" [need-be]

• Something compulsory, indispensable, or requisite; a necessity. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Re-wet the towel if need-be, and use it to quickly mop up the floor, taking care to get the dust bunnies out from behind the bathroom door."
• "They have pre-positioned enough food to help feed 1 million returnees over six months, if need-be."
• "You want to leave your readers with a sense of wanting to know what happens next and wanting to see more but with the ability of it to stand as a satisfying ending if need-be."