Part 312

4. Advanced beyond the usual degree; advanced for the season; as, the grass is forward, or forward for the season; we have a forward spring.

The most forward bud Is eaten by the canker ere it blow.

Shak.

For"ward (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Forwarded; p. pr. & vb. n. Forwarding.] 1. To help onward; to advance; to promote; to accelerate; to quicken; to hasten; as, to forward the growth of a plant; to forward one in improvement.

2. To send forward; to send toward the place of destination; to transmit; as, to forward a letter.

For"ward*er (?), n. 1. One who forwards or promotes; a promoter. Udall.

2. One who sends forward anything; (Com.) one who transmits goods; a forwarding merchant.

3. (Bookbinding) One employed in forwarding.

For"ward*ing, n. 1. The act of one who forwards; the act or occupation of transmitting merchandise or other property for others.

2. (Bookbinding) The process of putting a book into its cover, and making it ready for the finisher.

For"ward*ly (?), adv. Eagerly; hastily; obtrusively.

For"ward*ness, n. The quality of being forward; cheerful readiness; promtness; as, the forwardness of Christians in propagating the gospel.

2. An advanced stage of progress or of preparation; advancement; as, his measures were in great forwardness. Robertson.

3. Eagerness; ardor; as, it is difficult to restrain the forwardness of youth.

3. Boldness; confidence; assurance; want of due reserve or modesty.

In France it is usual to bring children into company, and cherish in them, from their infancy, a kind of forwardness and assurance.

Addison.

5. A state of advance beyond the usual degree; prematureness; precocity; as, the forwardnessof spring or of corn; the forwardness of a pupil.

He had such a dexterous proclivity, as his teachers were fain to restrain his forwardness.

Sir H. Wotton.

Syn. -- Promptness; promptitude; eagerness; ardor; zeal; assurance; confidence; boldness; impudence; presumption.

For"wards (?), adv. Same as Forward.

For*waste" (?), v. t. [Pref. for- + waste.] To desolate or lay waste utterly. [Obs.] Spenser.

For*wea"ry (?), v. t. To weary extremely; to dispirit. [Obs.] Spenser.

For*weep" (?), v. i. To weep much. [Obs.]

For*wete" (?), v. t. See Forewite. [Obs.] Chaucer.

For*why" (?), conj. [For + why, AS. hw&?;, instrumental case of hw who.] Wherefore; because. [Obs.]

For*worn" (?), a. Much worn. [Obs.]