Definition of forbear

• n. - An ancestor; a forefather; -- usually in the plural.
• v. i. - To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
• v. i. - To refuse; to decline; to give no heed.
• v. i. - To control one's self when provoked.
• v. t. - To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up; as, to forbear the use of a word of doubdtful propriety.
• v. t. - To treat with consideration or indulgence.
• v. t. - To cease from bearing.