Fore*go" (?), v. 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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Fore*go", v. t. [AS. foregan; fore + gan to go; akin to G. vorgehen to go before, precede. See GO, v. 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, one which has preceded argument or examination; one predetermined.

 

© Webster 1913.

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