Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Forbear?

\For*bear"\, n. [See {Fore}, and {Bear} to produce.] An ancestor; a forefather; -- usually in the plural. [Scot.] ``Your forbears of old.'' --Sir W. Scott.
\For*bear"\, v. i. [imp. {Forbore}({Forbare}, [Obs.]); p. p. {Forborne}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Forbearing}.] [OE. forberen, AS. forberan; pref. for- + beran to bear. See {Bear} to support.] 1. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay. Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? --1 Kinds xxii. 6. 2. To refuse; to decline; to give no heed. Thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. --Ezek. ii. 7. 3. To control one's self when provoked. The kindest and the happiest pair Will find occasion to forbear. --Cowper. Both bear and forbear. --Old Proverb.
\For*bear"\, v. t. 1. To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up; as, to forbear the use of a word of doubdtful propriety. But let me that plunder forbear. --Shenstone. The King In open battle or the tilting field Forbore his own advantage. --Tennyson. 2. To treat with consideration or indulgence. Forbearing one another in love. --Eph. iv. 2. 3. To cease from bearing. [Obs.] Whenas my womb her burden would forbear. --Spenser.