For*bear" (fr*b‚r"), 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" (fr*b‚r"), 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?