† forthv.
Obsolete.
1. transitive. To accomplish, carry out; also, to manage to (do something). See afford v. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)]
lasteOE
ylastc888
wieldeOE
doeOE
dreeOE
forthOE
fremeOE
workOE
affordOE
full-bringc1175
fulfila1225
perfurnisha1325
complishc1374
performc1384
achievea1393
chevisea1400
practic?a1425
exploitc1425
execute1477
furnish1477
through1498
practa1513
enure1549
chare1570
enact1597
act1602
to carry out1608
outcarry1611
celebrate1615
complya1616
peract1621
tide1631
implement1837
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. ann. 675 (Laud) Hwilc man swa haueð behaten to faren to Rome, and he ne muge hit forðian.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 212 Þu shallt ben dumb Till þatt itt shall ben forþedd.
a1225 Juliana 67 Forðe al þi feaders wil þes feondes of helle.
1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 570 Of more make ȝe avaunt, þan ȝe mowe forþen.
a1400–50 Alexander 1774 Vnneth may þou forthe Þine awen caitefe cors to clethe, & to fede.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. vi. 60 All that I say, I shall forth.
2. To put forward, offer.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > offer or action of offering > offer [verb (transitive)]
i-bedea800
bidOE
make?a1160
forthc1200
bihedec1275
proffera1325
yielda1382
dressc1384
to serve fortha1393
dight1393
pretend1398
nurnc1400
offerc1425
profita1450
tent1459
tend1475
exhibit1490
propine1512
presentc1515
oblate1548
pretence1548
defer?1551
to hold forth1560
prefer1567
delatea1575
to give forth1584
tender1587
oppose1598
to hold out1611
shore1787
c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 43 Vnderstonde we..his holie wordes, and forþe [L. proferamus] we him ure rihte bileue.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 186 Vor be oyle is y-uorþed þet uer ine þe lompe.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
forthadv.prep.n.
/fɔːθ/, U.S. /fɔrθ/ A. adv.† 2. † b. Appended to another adverb, giving the additional notion of ‘for some distance in the specified direction, everywhere in the specified locality’, as beneath-forth, within-forth, without-forth (for quots. see those words); also about-forth, for some distance round; otherwise forth, in all other respects. Obsolete.† c. In early Middle English forth mid, later forth with = ‘along with’. Also absol., along with him, them, etc.: at the same time with something else.† d. forth with that: at the same moment that. Cf. forthwithal adv. and forthwith adv. Obsolete.† 4. At or to an advanced point:† b. of time. forth days, nighte; forth in with even: late in the day, night, or evening. Obsolete.† 7. Of position: Abroad; not at home; in the field; at sea. Cf. abroad adv. 3a Obsolete.† 8. In senses A. 5, A. 6, the adverb was formerly used in many idiomatic combinations with verbs, where for the most part out is now substituted. Obsolete.
1. † b. Expressing promptitude or eagerness for action. to set (a person) forth: to urge forward. to make oneself forth: to bestir oneself, prepare.
a. Of movement or direction: Forwards; opposed to backwards. Obsolete except in back and forth, now only U.S. (? or dialect) = ‘backwards and forwards’. †Also, with ellipsis of go. Cf. A. 6b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > [adverb]
awayeOE
forneOE
forthc1000
forthwardc1175
furtherlyc1175
toforec1330
forea1400
forwarda1400
furtherwarda1400
avauntc1400
forwardsc1400
onwardc1425
toward1426
forouth1487
up to ——1516
forth on1529
onwards1540
aheada1615
forrita1796
advancingly1820
onwardly1831
forwardly1876
c1000 Ælfric Joshua viii. 20 [Hi] ne mihton ðanon fleon, ne forþ ne underbæc.
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 155 Þat riȝtwisnesse may not forþ in her vertuouse lyuynge.
c1430 Hymns Virg. 97 While riȝt schal forþ, & no mercie.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezra v. 8 Ye worke goeth fast forth.
1543 T. Basil in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1816) I. l. 615 If his grace go forth as he hath begun, he shall [etc.].
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. xlix Eche armye..beyng in open sight..euery man cried furth, furth.
1607 T. Dekker & J. Webster North-ward Hoe i. sig. A2v Green. I seeke..by the passage of my discource to haue you censure the state of our quarrel. Bell. Forth Sir.
1613 T. Jackson Eternall Truth Script. i. 196 Lengthning the time by..vnnecessarie turnings, backe and forth.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) ii. ii. 186 Then forth, deare Countreymen. View more context for this quotation
1839 Anecd. & Trad. (Camd.) Young girls..dance over the candle back and forth.
1882 Macmillan's Mag. 46 203 Back and forth her needle goes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (reflexive)]
yarec888
yarkc1000
graithc1230
dightc1275
to make yarec1290
arrayc1320
tirec1330
agraith1340
buska1350
readya1350
dressc1350
shapec1374
disposec1375
ordainc1380
rayc1380
makec1390
bouna1400
updressa1400
fettlec1400
address1447
ettlec1450
aready1470
to make oneself forth1488
busklea1555
poise1639
arrange1865
the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)] > incite or instigate > urge on or incite
tar ona900
wheta1000
eggc1200
spura1225
aprick1297
ertc1325
sharpa1340
abaita1470
sharpen1483
to set (a person) forth1488
to set forth1553
egg1566
hound1571
shove?1571
edge1575
strain1581
spur1582
spurn1583
hag1587
edge1600
hist1604
switch1648
string1881
haik1892
goose1934
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) viii. l. 752 The knycht Cambell..At the north ȝett, and Ramsay, maid thaim ford.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iv. l. 482 To tak him in thai maid thaim redy ford.
1553 T. Wilson Arte Rhetorique (1580) 67 Good will settyng me forthe with the foremost: I can not chuse but write.
1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus ii. f. 21 In euerie Camp the proudest man armait His pray was ay, and maid him euer ford.
a. Onwards from a specified point; continuously in one direction; without deviation or interruption. So right forth (see right adj. and int.); forth on adv.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > a straight course > [adverb]
forth847
righteOE
forthrighta1000
rightlyOE
anonOE
evenc1300
even-forthc1300
straight13..
streck13..
gainc1330
streckly1340
right fortha1382
straightly1395
evenly?c1400
outrightc1400
straightway1461
endlong1470
fair1490
directly1513
fulla1529
forth on1529
straightforth1530
directedly1539
aright?a1560
direct1568
endways1575
point-blank1607
progressivelya1716
unswervingly1805
straightforward1809
undeviatingly1812
undeviously1813
slap1829
arrow-straight1831
847 Charter Æthelwulf in Old Eng. Texts 434 From ðæm stane forð on ðone herepað on ðone dic.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 171 Fram þe on ende of engelond vorþ to þe other end.
1424 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 61 And þanne forth as hit is a-fore declared.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) iii. 292 The seconde parte, that ys from Laudamus te furthe to the ende.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. vi. 14 From the wildernesse off Deblat forth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surrounding > [adverb]
umbeOE
umbetrinc1175
avirounc1300
roundc1300
aroundc1330
aboutsa1387
about rounda1393
compassa1400
round about?a1400
about-forthc1400
umbeturnc1400
acompassc1450
ambiently1659
aside1859
the world > relative properties > relationship > [adverb] > in all other respects
otherwise forth1577
c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. 223 Whanne þou wolt kutte þis enpostym, þou schalt but kutte abouteforþ in þe skyn.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1584/1 He would..not onely restore hym to his former libertie, but otherwise forthe be ready to pleasure hym.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > simultaneity or contemporaneousness > [adverb] > at the same time that with or as
there-midc888
forth withc1175
herewitha1400
runninglyc1443
hand in handa1500
straight1536
forth with that?1541
parallel1646
in parallel1709
neck and neck1799
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 117 Þenne losiað fele saulen and he seolf forð mid for his ȝemeleste.
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 123 Þenne bið he gredi þes eses and forswoleȝeð þene hoc forð mid þan ese.
a1200 Moral Ode 90 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 28 To heuenriche he scullen, ford mid vre drihte.
c1325 Know Thyself 95 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 132 Amende þe mon euene forþ mydde.
c1386 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale ⁋345 There is also costlewe furringe in hir gounes..forth with the superfluitee in lengthe of the forseide gownes.
1460 Lybeaus Disc. 1474 (Kaluza) Forþ wiþ þe scholder bon His riȝt arm fell anoon Into þe feld.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > simultaneity or contemporaneousness > [adverb] > at the same time that with or as
there-midc888
forth withc1175
herewitha1400
runninglyc1443
hand in handa1500
straight1536
forth with that?1541
parallel1646
in parallel1709
neck and neck1799
?1541 R. Copland Galen's Fourth Bk. Terapeutyke sig. aiv, in Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens The ende of the bathynge..shalbe forth with that the partycle becometh ruddy and ryse in a lumpe.
3. † b. Expressing continuity or progressiveness of action; joined to a verb, and giving the sense ‘to go on doing’ what the verb denotes. Cf. on adv. Obsolete.† c. to make forth (long, longer): to protract.† d. Further, moreover, also. Obsolete.
a. Of extent in time: Onwards, immediately afterwards and continuously. Now only in phrases from this time (day, etc.) forth (somewhat archaic), and in combinations henceforth adv., thenceforth adv., etc. †always forth: continually, ever more and more, so ever forth, aye forth (Old English á forð), for which see ever n., ay adv.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > eternity or infinite duration > [adverb]
always fortha700
alwayeOE
oeOE
everOE
buten endea1000
echelichec1175
till doomsdayc1175
to timea1200
perdurablyc1275
in ayea1300
without endc1330
anytimea1375
for ay and oc1374
continually1382
perpetuallyc1385
ay-forthc1390
everlastinglyc1390
perpetualc1392
eternallyc1393
endlessa1400
in (also for, to) perpetuitya1400
always?c1425
without timec1425
endlesslya1450
sempiternlyc1450
infinitivec1470
aylastinglyc1475
everlastingc1475
incessantly1481
in saecula saeculorum1481
sempiternally1509
all days1533
for altogether1542
constantly1567
interminate?1567
incorruptibly1579
perpetuously1612
in perpetuum1613
eternal1614
unterminably1631
unfadinglya1672
unendingly1674
for a constancy1710
perennially1729
tarnally1790
imperishably1795
indefectibly1837
immortally1858
fadelessly1861
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > from now or henceforth
fortha700
heneOE
henforthOE
forwardOE
anovenOE
yetOE
downwardc1175
forthwardc1175
furthermorea1300
henforthwardc1300
forne14..
henceforwardc1330
henforwardc1330
hencefortha1375
henceforthwardc1384
hencec1390
furtherwarda1400
forwardsc1400
hyneforwardc1400
henceforwardsa1425
even-forthc1425
forth on1474
henceforthon1490
hynea1500
froforth1536
hyneforth1570
downwards1584
towards1587
here-hence1592
whenceforth1658
whenceforwarda1661
onward1667
onwards1732
from here on out1867
as of now1902
a700 Epinal Gloss. 529 In dies crudesceret: a fordh.
c1230 Hali Meid. 25 Þat laðliche beast leaueð & last forð.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3758 In dew and gress sere o þorth Sal be þi blissing fra no forth.
a1450 Le Morte Arth. 1668 In the castelle thay gan forthe lende.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Hag. ii. C Considre from this daye forth.
1559 J. Fecknam in J. Strype Ann. Reformation (1709) I. App. ix. 24 Which of them bothe is..allwayes forth one and agreeable with it self.
1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Scotl. 394/2 in Chron. I The King..assigned hirfoorth [1587 hir foorth] sufficient reuenewes.
1611 Bible (King James) Psalms cxiii. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord: from this time forth . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iv. ii. 102 From this day forth, Ile vse you for my Mirth. View more context for this quotation
1850 C. Dickens & C. Dickens Jr. Child's Dream of Star in Househ. Words 6 Apr. 25/2 From that hour forth, the child looked out upon the star as on the Home he was to go to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > [adverb]
forthOE
onOE
OE Beowulf 948 Heald forð tela niwe sibbe.
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. ann. 534 (Laud) Cynric..rixade forþ xxvi wintra.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6576 Þat water dude uorþ is kunde & wax euere uaste.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1725) 174 If he forth has grace, as he now bigynnes.
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 135 Possessioners may holden forþe here seculer lordischipis.
1399 in T. Wright Polit. Poems & Songs (1859) I. 371 Beholde the book onys..and if ȝe savere sum delle, se it fforth overe.
1428 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 81 I woll that myne Executours..parfourme forth my deuouaciouns forth as I was wonte.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 7 Pray him of his merci he so wol kepe you forthe.
1543 R. Record Ground of Artes i. sig. C Which after you haue well practysed, then maye you learne forth.
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Agst. Idolatry iii, in J. Griffiths Two Bks. Homilies (1859) ii. 216 If you read on forth, it expoundeth itself.
a1615 Balnagown MS in W. R. Baillie Breve Cron. Earlis of Ross (1850) 17 He bigged furth the Dortour.
1808 W. Scott Marmion ii. xxx. 109 Now, men of death, work forth your will.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > have duration [verb (transitive)] > cause to endure, sustain, or prolong
lengOE
drawOE
teec1200
forlengtha1300
lengtha1300
drivec1300
tarryc1320
proloynec1350
continuec1380
to draw alonga1382
longa1382
dretch1393
conservea1398
to draw (out) in, into, at, or on lengtha1400
prorogue1419
prolongc1425
aroomc1440
prorogate?a1475
protend?a1475
dilate1489
forlong1496
relong1523
to draw out1542
sustentate1542
linger1543
defer1546
pertract1548
propagate1548
protract1548
linger1550
lengthen1555
train1556
detract?a1562
to make forth (long, longer)1565
stretch1568
extend1574
extenuate1583
dree1584
wire-draw1598
to spin out1603
trail1604
disabridge1605
produce1605
continuate1611
out-length1617
spin1629
to eke out1641
producta1670
prolongate1671
drawl1694
drag1697
perennate1698
string1867
perennialize1898
1565–73 T. Cooper Thesaurus Contexere longius..I might make forth this verse longer.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iv. ii. 150 The Boy Fideles sickenesse Did make my way long forth. View more context for this quotation
ΚΠ
c1315 Shoreham 9 Ne mede ne forthe no other licour That chaungeth wateres kende, Ne longeth nauȝt to cristendom.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Hist. Reynard Fox (1970) 33 My lorde the kynge and dere quene and forth alle ye that here stande.
a. of position or progress. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > [adverb] > at or to an advanced point
forth?c1225
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 275 Monie þet beoð ful forð. inwei towart heouene.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11203 Þan was sco gan sua forth, þat mild, þat sco was at hir time o child.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 11027 Elizabeth, þat wele forth stadd.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) xvii. 180 More forthe toward the parties septemtrioneles: it [the North Pole] is 62 Degrees.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > day and night > [adverb] > late or till late in the day or night
lateOE
forth in with evena1300
latesome1843
a1300 Birth of Jesus 576 in Altengl. Leg. (Horstm.) 91 Vorþ niȝte hit was.
a1400 Sir Perc. 825 Tille one the morne at forthe dayes, He mett a wyche.
a1400–50 Alexander 3055 Þen quen þai fange to ȝe fliȝt was furth in with euyn.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Mark vi. 35 Whanne it was forth daies [L. cum hora multa fieret], his disciplis camen.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xx. v. 804 Or it be forth dayes.
5. † b. with ellipsis of come or go. forth with = come forth with, (come) out with, utter. Obsolete.
a. Forward, into view. Only with such verbs as bring, come, show, put, etc.: see the verbs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > [adverb] > into sight
upc888
forthc900
outa1625
c900 tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (1890) v. xiv. [xiii.] 438 Þa teah heora oðer forð fægre boc.
c1050 Byrhtferth's Handboc in Anglia (1885) 8 298 & forð stæpð wel orglice binnan feower wintrum.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 3078 & ec he droh þatt wittness forþ Off y sayȝess lare.
1388 Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) 2 Sam. vi. 6 Oza helde forth the hond to the arke of God.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 11988 He..oþer childer forþ hit kid.
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Biiii A question is either a word or sentence put furth, as when I aske what such..thing is.
1692 E. Walker tr. Epictetus Enchiridion xx If tis nigh, Stretch forth your Hand, take share with Modesty.
1719 E. Young Busiris i. 7 This Day the Court shines forth in all its Lustre.
1872 H. I. Jenkinson Guide Eng. Lake District (1879) 159 Skiddaw, which stands forth in all its majesty.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > [verb (transitive)] > utter
leadOE
givec1175
tell?c1225
talkc1275
to set upa1325
to put outc1350
soundc1374
to give upc1386
pronouncea1393
cough1393
moutha1400
profera1400
forth withc1400
utterc1400
to put forth1535
display1580
vent1602
accent1603
respeak1604
vocalize1669
fetch1707
go1836
outen1951
c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. 139 He myȝte forþ wiþ no word.
1556 R. Robinson tr. T. More Utopia (ed. 2) sig. Aiiv To Imprintinge it came..against my wyll. Howebeit..perceauing therfore none other remedy, but that furth it shoulde.
6.
a. Away or out from a place of origin, residence, or sojourn.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > [adverb]
awayeOE
forthc1000
upstick1904
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > [adverb] > from a place of residence or sojourn
forthc1000
out1600
c1000 Ælfric Exodus xiii. 19 Alædaþ mine ban forþ mid eow.
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 5 Þat folc eode þar ford to processiun to munte oliueti.
a1300 Fall & Passion 47 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 14 God is angle anon forþ send.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 113 Forð glod ðis oðer dais nigt.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 2984 Sho..Hade hom radly arayed for þe rode furth.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) v. ii. 109 Swinge me them soundly forth vnto their husbands. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 125 In form of Battel drawn, they issue forth . View more context for this quotation
1771 J. Beattie Minstrel: Bk. 1st iii. 2 I should here in cunning phrase display How forth the Minstrel fared in days of yore.
1868 C. M. Yonge Cameos 1st Ser. i. 5 The Vikings..sailed fearlessly forth.
b. with ellipsis of go. Now archaic.
ΚΠ
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 81 Nu is þes deakne forþe.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 309 No lenger suld þei bide, bot forth & stand to chance.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) clix. 234 The goyng forth of therle of tholouse..caused them moche to haue the wyll forth.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) i. iii. 90 Indeed I will not foorth . View more context for this quotation
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. vii. iv. 353 Maternity must forth to the streets.
1860 W. Collins Antonina xii The slaves..are forth to pursue me.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > [adverb] > away from some recognized place
outeOE
thencec1290
thenne1297
hencec1300
forth14..
afield1483
offward1582
therehence1611
14.. Chalmerlain Ayr ( Sc. Stat. I) Alswele induellande as furth duelland.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. i. 15 Had I such venture forth . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) ii. ii. 213 Say he dines forth . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) i. iii. 98 The Volcies haue an Army forth . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. ii. 256 At that time..her husband will be forth . View more context for this quotation
ΚΠ
c1430 Two Cookery-bks. i. 23 Coloure it with Safroun, an sethe an serue forth.
1513 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid xiii. Prol. 164 Furth quynching gan the starris, one be one.
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 47/2 The fetchynge foorthe of this noble manne..oute of that place.
1584 in J. Barmby Churchwardens' Accts. Pittington (1888) 16 Laid forthe by the foresaid churchwardens..vij s. vj d.
1593 Tell-Trothes New-yeares Gift (1876) 34 New conceites are easly remoued but engrauen thoughtes will not be rubbed forth.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. i. 143 To finde the other forth . View more context for this quotation
1611 M. Smith in Bible (King James) Transl. Pref. 1 He gaue foorth, that hee had not seene any profit.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) ii. i. 12 I..watcht him how he singled Clifford forth . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iv. iv. 96 Say wherefore didst thou locke me forth to day. View more context for this quotation
1659 D. Pell Πελαγος 280 If they finde them so doing, they will blow them [candles] forth.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 182/1 The Library Keeper is..to keep the Books clean, to lend none forth.
9. Phraseological combinations.† c. as forth adv. (or so forth) as or so far, to such an extent or degree (as, that). Cf. far-forth adv.
a. forth of prep. = out of prep. in various senses. Now only poetic or rhetorical, and only in lit. sense expressive of motion from within a place. In 16–17th centuries occasionally †from forth of. †forth of door(s, forth adoors: out of doors; see adoors adv. †forth of hand = out of hand, at once.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > out of [preposition]
out ofeOE
withoutc1000
outc1300
outwitha1400
utouthc1480
forth of1513
forth1567
the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb]
soonc825
ratheeOE
rathelyeOE
rekeneOE
rekenlyOE
thereright971
anonOE
forth ona1000
coflyc1000
ferlyc1000
radlyOE
swiftlyc1000
unyoreOE
yareOE
at the forme (also first) wordOE
nowOE
shortlya1050
rightOE
here-rightlOE
right anonlOE
anonc1175
forthrightc1175
forthwithalc1175
skeetc1175
swithc1175
with and withc1175
anon-rightc1225
anon-rights?c1225
belivec1225
lightly?c1225
quickly?c1225
tidelyc1225
fastlyc1275
hastilyc1275
i-radlichec1275
as soon asc1290
aright1297
bedenea1300
in little wevea1300
withoute(n dwella1300
alrightc1300
as fast (as)c1300
at firstc1300
in placec1300
in the placec1300
mididonec1300
outrightc1300
prestc1300
streck13..
titec1300
without delayc1300
that stounds1303
rada1325
readya1325
apacec1325
albedenec1330
as (also also) titec1330
as blivec1330
as line rightc1330
as straight as linec1330
in anec1330
in presentc1330
newlyc1330
suddenlyc1330
titelyc1330
yernec1330
as soon1340
prestly1340
streckly1340
swithly?1370
evenlya1375
redelya1375
redlya1375
rifelya1375
yeplya1375
at one blastc1380
fresha1382
ripelyc1384
presentc1385
presently1385
without arrestc1385
readilyc1390
in the twinkling of a looka1393
derflya1400
forwhya1400
skeetlya1400
straighta1400
swifta1400
maintenantc1400
out of handc1400
wightc1400
at a startc1405
immediately1420
incontinent1425
there and then1428
onenec1429
forwithc1430
downright?a1439
agatec1440
at a tricec1440
right forth1440
withouten wonec1440
whipc1460
forthwith1461
undelayed1470
incessantly1472
at a momentc1475
right nowc1475
synec1475
incontinently1484
promptly1490
in the nonce?a1500
uncontinent1506
on (upon, in) the instant1509
in short1513
at a clap1519
by and by1526
straightway1526
at a twitch1528
at the first chop1528
maintenantly1528
on a tricea1529
with a tricec1530
at once1531
belively1532
straightwaysa1533
short days1533
undelayedly1534
fro hand1535
indelayedly1535
straight forth1536
betimesc1540
livelyc1540
upononc1540
suddenly1544
at one (or a) dash?1550
at (the) first dash?1550
instantly1552
forth of hand1564
upon the nines1568
on the nail1569
at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572
indilately1572
summarily1578
at one (a) chop1581
amain1587
straightwise1588
extempore1593
presto1598
upon the place1600
directly1604
instant1604
just now1606
with a siserary1607
promiscuously1609
at (in) one (an) instant1611
on (also upon) the momenta1616
at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617
hand to fist1634
fastisha1650
nextly1657
to rights1663
straightaway1663
slap1672
at first bolt1676
point-blank1679
in point1680
offhand1686
instanter1688
sonica1688
flush1701
like a thought1720
in a crack1725
momentary1725
bumbye1727
clacka1734
plumba1734
right away1734
momentarily1739
momentaneously1753
in a snap1768
right off1771
straight an end1778
abruptedly1784
in a whistle1784
slap-bang1785
bang?1795
right off the reel1798
in a whiff1800
in a flash1801
like a shot1809
momently1812
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
in a gird1825
(all) in a rush1829
in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830
straightly1830
toot sweetc1830
in two twos1838
rectly1843
quick-stick1844
short metre1848
right1849
at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854
off the hooks1860
quicksticks1860
straight off1873
bang off1886
away1887
in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890
ek dum1895
tout de suite1895
bung1899
one time1899
prompt1910
yesterday1911
in two ups1934
presto changeo1946
now-now1966
presto change1987
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > [adverb] > out of doors
outOE
without doorc1275
thereoutc1325
abroad?c1335
out at door (also doors)c1386
out of doors1530
thereforthc1540
forth adoors1607
forth of door(s1607
without doors1617
al fresco1717
outdoorsa1729
out-by1753
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iii. viii. 26 Furth of his eft schip a bekyn gart he stent.
1537 R. Pole Let. to King in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) I. App. lxxxii. 203 There was never man..that by offence was forth of the grace & favor of God.
1552–3 Inventory Church Goods in Ann. Diocese Lichfield (1863) IV. 51 Thes parcells followynge were stolne furthe of the sayd churche at Cristmas.
1564 N. Haward tr. Eutropius Briefe Chron. v. sig. I.ii They shuld be all slaine forthe of hande.
a1593 C. Marlowe Massacre at Paris (c1600) sig. D3 Ile..roote Valoys his line from forth of France.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III iv. iv. 177 Humphrey houre..cald your grace To breake fast once forth of my companie. View more context for this quotation
a1600 Doctrynall Good Servauntes in E. F. Rimbault Anc. Poet. Tracts 16th Cent. (1842) 8 Whan your mayster is forth of towne.
1607 G. Wilkins Miseries Inforst Mariage v Off with your coate then, get you forth a dores.
1614 in Quarter Sessions Rec. (N. Riding Rec. Soc.) (1884) II. 54 A woman presented for that she will not sell anie of her ale forth of doores except it [etc.].
1622 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1883) I. 212 Forth of his wayges..soe much money shall be abated.
a1626 W. Rowley New Wonder (1632) iv. 59 My..Vncle [being] poore, I him relieving was thrust forth of dores.
1633 T. James Strange Voy. 61 Forth adores we could not go.
1671 J. Webster Metallographia i. 14 A Roman Hermit, whose Writings were translated forth of the Arabick Language into Latine.
1751 Affecting Narr. H.M.S. Wager 63 He threw his Pistol aside, and came forth of the Tent.
1816 M. Keating Trav. (1817) I. 49 He who is exiled forth of the land, endures his punishment at home.
1867 Swinburne in Fortn. Rev. Nov. 541 Flee from the foot of the lion..forth of his den.
b. and so forth adv. †(a) And then onwards; and then in regular sequence. †(b) And similarly (in the remaining cases); usually followed by of (Old English be). (c) Now used only (like and so on) in breaking off an enumeration, quotation, etc.: And the like, etcetera. Formerly also, †or so forth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [adverb] > and so forth
and so forthc1000
or so forth1604
et patati et patata1885
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > in order, sequence, or succession [phrase] > and then in regular sequence
and so forthc1000
(a)
(b)c1000 Starcraft fr. Bæda 4 in Sax. Leechd. III. 250 And swa forð be ðam oðrum.c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxx. 137 A Kyng es porter..anoþer sewer, anoþer marschall, and so furth of all oþer officez þat langes till his courte.1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) 1st Prol. 3 Why an hympne ys callyd an hympne..why an Antempne is callyd an Antempne and so fourth of other.1546 Wycklyffes Wycket sig. A.iiiv They spared not the sonne of God..and so forthe of the Apostels and martirs.(c)1575 Abp. M. Parker Let. 18 Feb. in Corr. (1853) (modernized text) 474 I toy out my time, partly with copying of books..partly in genealogies, and so forth.1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet ii. i. 61 Videlizet, a brothell, or so foorth.1670 G. Havers tr. G. Leti Il Cardinalismo di Santa Chiesa iii. i. 239 These were such as declar'd him a Heretick..a Profaner, and so forth.1745 P. Thomas True Jrnl. Voy. South-Seas 44 Some Jewels, abundance of Gold and Silver Twist, and so forth.1816 M. Keating Trav. (1817) II. 155 Coal beds..piscatory exuviæ, and so forth.1841 T. B. Macaulay Let. Napier in G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay (1876) II. ix. 127 This lady..called the Marquis of Hertford ‘Earl of Hertford’, and so forth.c1000 Ælfric Gram. (Z.) xxv. 144 And swa forþ.
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 473/400 To his schyp he wende: and so forz [read forþ] in þe se.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xiv. 159 Moche murthe in Maye is amonges wilde bestes, And so forth whil somer lasteth her solace dureth.
c1460 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Laud) l. 6122 At the kyng he first by-gan And so forth slow beste & man.
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. ii. lvi If a line bee drawen by bothe their centres, and so forthe in lengthe.
1574 J. Whitgift Def. Aunswere to Admon. iii. i. 9 Looke at the 2. Admonition especially, and so foorth, where [etc.].
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > degree or relative amount of a quality, action, etc. > [adverb] > to such an extent
as fortha1000
insomuchc1380
so mucha1425
pro tanto1621
such much1832
in so far1888
a1000 Ags. Laws, Oaths xi Swa forð swa uncre word~gecwydu fyrmest wæron.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 2304 Ȝef þu..wult greten ure godes ase forð as þu ham hauest igremet.
a1225 Juliana 15 Þat tu hauest wið ute me se forð þi luue ileuet þat [etc.].
a1225 Juliana 47 And wurche his wil ouer al ase forð as imei.
c1386 G. Chaucer Man of Law's Prol. (Harl.) 19 Leseþ no tyme, as forþe as ȝe may.
B. prep.† 1. Forward to, up to, to the extent or limit of. Chiefly with even: see even-forth adv. and prep. Also in conjunctional phrase, forth that: until.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [conjunction] > because
forth thatc888
for-thonOE
forthy thec1000
for thatc1175
forthon thatc1175
forwhyc1384
for why thata1400
cause1556
'cos1828
the world > time > relative time > the past > antecedence or being earlier > antecedence [conjunction] > until
forth thatc888
till1154
a thatc1175
fortc1200
fort thatc1200
all-whata1225
alfort?a1300
toa1300
hentc1426
the world > space > distance > [preposition] > as far as
to971
forthc1449
as far as1720
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxviii. §5 On cnihthade and swa forþ eallne ðonne giogoþhad.
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 91 Forð þet ic alegge þine feond under þine fot-sceomele.
c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 87 Forð þat hie understonden wurldes wit.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 52 The processis forth and afore tho textis ligging be weel and diligentli considerid.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 100 The processis forth and aftir, bifore and behinde, where thilke textis ben writun.
2.
a. Forward, out or away from; out of, from out of. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > out of [preposition]
out ofeOE
withoutc1000
outc1300
outwitha1400
utouthc1480
forth of1513
forth1567
the world > space > place > absence > with absence of (a thing) [preposition] > away from or out of
ofOE
fromc1374
forth1567
1567 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure II. xi. f. 72 In saying so, the teares gushed forth hir eyes.
1594 S. Daniel Trag. Cleopatra ii. i And forth her trembling Hand the Blade did wrest.
1595 W. Hunnis Life & Death Joseph 5 in Recreat. (new ed.) They stript him forth his party cote.
1670 P. Henry Diaries & Lett. (1882) 231 [He] went forth his Desk.
1678 T. Otway Friendship in Fashion v. 68 Discharge them of their punishment, and see 'em forth the Gates.
1814 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Vision II. xxxii. 151 Never fire, With so swift motion, forth a stormy cloud Leap'd downward.
1864 R. D. Blackmore Clara Vaughan I. ii. xvi. 299 The brambled quarry standing forth.
b. Preceded by from.
ΚΠ
1594 C. Marlowe & T. Nashe Dido i. sig. A3 Poore Troy..From forth her ashes shall aduance her head.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. iv. 53 Let them from forth a saw-pit rush at once. View more context for this quotation
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 922 That I may fetch thee From forth this loathsom prison-house. View more context for this quotation
1820 J. Keats Eve of St. Agnes in Lamia & Other Poems 98 He from forth the closet brought a heap Of candied apple.
In phrase, to have one's forth: to have outlet; figurative to have free course, to have one's ‘fling’. Hence (rarely) as independent noun: Free course, wide publicity. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > freedom of action or from restraint > have freedom of action [verb (intransitive)]
to have one's forth1362
to have waya1616
to have a free hand1838
to have one's hands free1838
society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > [noun] > free course, wide publicity
to have one's forth1567
the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > action of river > flow (of river) [verb (intransitive)] > disembogue
fallOE
disbogue1589
empty1591
to have one's forth1597
disembogue1598
mouth1598
dimit16..
dischannel1607
ingurgitate1632
discharge1816
debouch1834
erupt1864
gurgitate1907
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. iii. 153 Letteþ so faste, Þat Feiþ may not han hus forþ.
1496 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (de Worde) viii. vii. 329/1 These men of lawe..for mede withdrawe them to..lette falsebede haue his forth.
1567 tr. J. Jewel Apol. Church Eng. 327 Wee..geeue God thankes, that.. hath published..the name of his Sonne in euery place..The foorth, and force thereof greeueth you nowe..as it did..your Fathers..that cried..All the worlde renneth after him.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxii. 142 The Church..was contented to let Donatists haue their foorth by the space of threescore yeares.
1597 Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas xxvii. 362 Thorough Propontis, where the sea is patent againe, and hath his forth.
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. ix. viii. 494/2 Obstacles..which all must be done and voided before the Pope can haue his full forth.
Compounds
forth- in compounds. In Old English and Middle English the combinations of forth adv. with verbs are hardly to be considered compound words; whether the adverb precedes or follows the verb depends on euphonic or other conditions which do not affect the sense. The agent-nouns, nouns of action, and participial adjectives corresponding to these verbal locutions were formed by prefixing forth to the verbal noun or adjective corresponding to the verb. In modern English compound verbs formed with forth- are rare; but forth- is often used as a prefix in the formation of nouns of agent and action, and participial adjectives corresponding to the verbal phrases (compound verbs in sense but not in form) in which the adverb follows the verb. More frequently, however, the agent-noun, etc. is followed by the adverb; thus we have a setter forth, but *forthsetter is apparently not recorded. For the formation of participial adjectives the prefix is the only means available; and in poetry from Pope onwards it is very common in present participles. ▸ a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xxviii. 24 Whether al day shal ere the erere, that he sowe and forth kutten [L. proscindet], and purge his erthe.
1718 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad IV. xiii. 93 As a Falcon..Forth-springing instant, darts her self from high.
C1. Verbs.
a.
forth-leap v.
ΚΠ
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 154 Mony ladde þer forth-lep to laue & to kest.
forth-throw v.
ΚΠ
1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes sig. Aa.iv To stay my life pray her furththrowe swete lokes whan I complaine.
b. Renderings of Latin verbs with pro-
forth-cut v.
forth-follow v.
ΚΠ
a1300 E.E. Psalter lxviii. 27 [lxix. 26] For wham þou smate, forth-filiyhed [L. persecuti sunt] þa.
forth-look v.
ΚΠ
a1300 E.E. Psalter lxxxiv. 12 [lxxxv. 11] Fra heven forth-loked [L. prospexit] rightwisenes.
C2. Nouns:
a. Verbal nouns.† forth-living n. Obsolete
forth-carrying n.
ΚΠ
1716 in R. Wodrow Corr. (1843) II. 137 The old..woman..died in the forth-carrying.
forth-flowing n.
ΚΠ
1886 A. B. Bruce Mirac. Elem. in Gospels vii. 258 The forth-flowing of that love.
forth-giving n.
ΚΠ
1887 L. Parks His Star in East ii. 52 The creation of a father is the forthgiving of a father's life.
ΚΠ
?c1450 MS St. John's Coll. Oxf. 117 f. 123 b in W. Maskell Monumenta Ritualia Ecclesiae Anglicanae (1847) III. 356 Loke thi beginning of thi lif, care and sorwe: thi fo [r] thliuing, trauail..and disese.
forth-shedding n.
ΚΠ
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. UUUi His great effusion or forthe shedyng of his blode.
forth-shining n.
ΚΠ
1875 E. White Life in Christ (1878) ii. xi. 121 The full forthshining of the light came only with the Christ.
forth-stretching n.
ΚΠ
c1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. (1898) 69 Forth-strechynge of þe membres makys stalworth þe body.
b. † forth-getting n. Obsolete a shoot, sprout.† forth-growing n. Obsolete an outgrowth.
ΚΠ
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Jer. v. 10 Doth awei his forthgetingus [L. propagines], for thei ben not the Lordis.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > part of plant > shoot, sprout, or branch > [noun]
sproteeOE
wiseOE
spronkOE
wrideOE
brodc1175
wanda1300
breerc1320
scion?c1335
spraya1387
spriga1398
springa1400
sprouta1400
spiringc1400
shoota1450
youngling1559
forth-growing1562
spirk1565
sprouting1578
surcle1578
chive1583
chit1601
spurt1601
sprit1622
germen1628
spurge1630
spirt1634
brairding1637
springet1640
set1658
shrubble1674
underling1688
sobolesa1722
branchlet1731
springlet1749
sproutling1749
sprang1847
shootlet1889
1562 W. Turner 2nd Pt. Herball f. 40v In the top of (the braunches of Lithospermon) is ther a double furthgrowyng or a double thyng growing out.
c. Nouns of action.† forth-progress n. Obsolete† forth-speed n. Obsolete
forth-flow n.
ΚΠ
1870 J. Duncan & W. Knight Colloquia Peripatetica 138 The forthflow of the one life of the Universe.
forth-look n.
ΚΠ
1865 A. B. Grosart Mem. H. Palmer 45 A worn, wistful, sad forth-look that is unspeakably touching.
ΚΠ
c1475 Partenay 3199 To thys forth-progresse Geffray made redy.
forth-roll n.
ΚΠ
1891 G. Meredith One of our Conquerors I. viii. 144 The noble forthroll of the notes.
ΚΠ
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. clxix. f. lxxxxvi Which tydynges lettyd hym of his forth spede in that Iourney.
d. Agent-nouns.
forth-speaker n.
ΚΠ
1873 D. Fraser Synopt. Lect. III. 2 The prophet, or forth-speaker.
C3. Adjectives and participles:
a. Present participles and participial adjectives.
(a)
forth-beaming adj.
ΚΠ
1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey III. xiii. 501 Nor longer in the heavy eye-ball shin'd The glance divine, forth-beaming from the mind.
forth-flowing adj.
ΚΠ
1866 R. S. Candlish 1st Epist. John xxvii. 306 Is all clear and open free and forthflowing between thee and him.
forth-giving adj.
ΚΠ
1883 Life Mrs. Prentiss ix. 290 She was peculiarly free and..forthgiving.
forth-gleaming adj.
ΚΠ
1834 F. D. Hemans Eng. Martyrs in Scenes & Hymns of Life 2 Rolls, like a furling banner, from the brows Of the forth-gleaming hills.
forth-issuing adj.
ΚΠ
1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey V. xx. 181 To the sage Greeks conven'd in Themis' court, Forth-issuing from the dome the Prince repair'd.
forth-standing adj.
ΚΠ
1866 R. D. Blackmore Cradock Nowell xlvii The pupils forthstanding haggardly.
(b) † forth-werpand adj. Obsolete Casting out.
ΚΠ
a1300 E.E. Psalter xvi[i]. 11 Me um gaf nou me forth werpand [L. projicientes].
b. Passive participles.† forth-fet adj. Obsolete† forth-sent adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
c1425 Seven Sag. (P.) 2440 Anon hys sone was forthe fete And ladde ther he schulde dee.
ΚΠ
1611 W. Sclater Key (1628) To Reader, My desire was to haue forth-sent them with greater company and better furniture.
C4. † forth-grown n. Obsolete brought up.† forth-straȝt n. Obsolete stretched out (= Latin directæ).
ΘΚΠ
society > education > upbringing > [adjective] > brought up
nurturedc1450
upbrought?c1470
well-nourituredc1500
forth-grown1532
uptrained1569
upbred1577
nuzzled1593
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer i. f. cccxxxiv The cytie of London..in whiche I was forthe growen.
forth-nift n. grand-niece.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > nephew or niece > [noun] > niece > daughter of one's nephew or niece
forth-nifta1325
proniece1542
pronept1543
grand-niece1671
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1386 Of batuel ðis maiden cam, Ghe was forð nifte of abraham.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > [adjective] > extended or stretched out
forth-straȝta1382
straight14..
streekingc1425
stented1513
stretched1518
outstretched1535
intended1590
out-stenta1598
exporrected1650
distended1834
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xxxix. 29 The weies of it to the weies of them ben forth straȝt.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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v.OE
adv.prep.n.a700