For*bear" (f&obreve;r*bâr"), 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" (f&obreve;r*bâr"), 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?

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.

3. To control one's self when provoked.

The kindest and the happiest pair
Will find occasion to forbear.

Both bear and forbear.

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 doubtful propriety.

But let me that plunder forbear.

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.

3. To cease from bearing. [Obs.]

Whenas my womb her burden would forbear.

• (transitive) To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up.
  
• (intransitive) To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
  
• (intransitive) To refuse; to decline; to give no heed.
  
• (intransitive) To control one's self when provoked.
  
• Forebear, ancestor.