D defs.my
Entry 7 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Forbear

/(fŏr*bâr")/ · For·bear · IPA /fɔɹˈbɛɚ/
01 n. An ancestor; a forefather; -- usually in the plural.
  1. 1.
    An ancestor; a forefather; -- usually in the plural.[Scot.]
02 v. i. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
imp. Forbore; p. p. Forborne; p. pr. & vb. n. Forbearing
  1. 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. 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. 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.
03 v. t. To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up; as, to forbear the use of a word of doubtful propriety.
  1. 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.” Tennyson.
  2. 2.
    To treat with consideration or indulgence.
    Forbearing one another in love.” — Eph. iv. 2.
  3. 3.
    To cease from bearing.[Obs.]
    “Whenas my womb her burden would forbear.” Spenser.