For-gīve', v. t.
(for-gīv'), v. t. [imp. FORGAVE; p. p. FORGIVEN; p. pr. & vb. n. FORGIVING.] [A-S. for-gifan, from for and gifan, to give; Dan. forgive, D. vergeven, Ger. vergeben, Goth. fragiban, Sw. tillgifva.]
Sense 1. To give away; to make over; to resign. [Obs. and rare.]
To them that list the world's gay shows I leave, And to great ones such folly do forgive. Spenser.
Sense 2. To give up resentment or claim to requital on account of, as an offense or wrong; to cease to impute; to remit; to pardon;—said in reference to the act forgiven.
I forgive and quite forget old faults. Shak.
He forgave injuries so readily that he might be said to invite them. Macaulay.
Sense 3. To cease to feel resentment against, on account of wrong committed; to give up claim to requital from, as an offender; to absolve; to pardon;—said of the person offending.
I forgive you, as I would be forgiven. Shak.