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Webster 1913 Edition


Forego

Fore-go′

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp.
Forewent 2
;
p. p.
Foregone
(?; 115)
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Foregoing
.]
[See
Forgo
.]
1.
To quit; to relinquish; to leave.
Stay at the third cup, or
forego
the place.
Herbert.
2.
To relinquish the enjoyment or advantage of; to give up; to resign; to renounce; – said of a thing already enjoyed, or of one within reach, or anticipated.
All my patrimony,,
If need be, I am ready to
forego
.
Milton.
Thy lovers must their promised heaven
forego
.
Keble.
[He] never
forewent
an opportunity of honest profit.
R. L. Stevenson.
☞ Forgo is the better spelling etymologically, but the word has been confused with
Forego
, to go before.

Fore-go′

,
Verb.
T.
[AS.
foregān
;
fore
+
gān
to go; akin to G.
vorgehen
to go before, precede. See
Go
,
Verb.
I.
]
To go before; to precede; – used especially in the present and past participles.
Pleasing remembrance of a thought
foregone
.
Wordsworth.
For which the very mother’s face
forewent

The mother's special patience.
Mrs. Browning.
Foregone conclusion
,
a conclusion which has preceded argument or examination; a predetermined conclusion.

Webster 1828 Edition


Forego

FOREGO'

,
Verb.
T.
[See Go.]
1.
To forbear to possess or enjoy; voluntarily to avoid the enjoyment of good. Let us forego the pleasures of sense, to secure immortal bliss.
2.
To give up; to renounce; to resign. But this word is usually applied to things not possessed or enjoyed, and which cannot be resigned.
3.
To lose.
4.
To go before; to precede. Obs.