Forbear /(fŏr*bâr")/

For·bear

Forbear

n.
  1. An ancestor; a forefather; -- usually in the plural. [Scot.]

Forbear

v. i.

imp. Forbore; p. p. Forborne; p. pr. & vb. n. Forbearing

  1. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay. [Obs.]
    Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?
    — 1 Kings 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.
    Both bear and forbear.
    — Old Proverb.

Forbear

v. t.
  1. To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up; as, to forbear the use of a word of doubtful propriety.
    But let me that plunder forbear.
    — Shenstone.
    The King In open battle or the tilting field Forbore his own advantage.
  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.