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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Forbear

For-bear', v. i.

verbintransitive

(for-bâr'), v. i. [imp. FORBORE (FOR-BARE, obs.); p. p. FORBORNE; p. pr. & vb. n. FORBEARING.] [A-S. forbēran.]

  1. To refrain from proceeding; to keep one's self in check; to control one's self when provoked; to pause; to delay.
  2. To refuse; to decline.

Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. Ezek. ii. 7.

For-bear', v. t.

verbtransitive

Sense 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.

Sense 2. To treat with consideration or indulgence; to indulge; to bear with.

*With the little godliness I have, I did full hard forbear him.* Shak.

Sense 3. To cease from bearing. [Obs.]

Whereas my womb her burden would forbear. Spenser.