Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡FORBEAR, v. Pa.t. †forboore (Abd. after 1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shep. MS. l. 1305).
Sc. usages, previously obs. in Eng.:
‡1. To endure, have patience with (m.Lth.1 1953).Sc. 1824 Scott St Ronan's W. viii.:
I can scarce forbear the fellow.
†2. To let alone, abstain from, shun.ne.Sc. 1714 R. Smith Poems 94:
Who snuff-mills steals, would not an Ox forbear.Sc. 1822 Scott F. Nigel xxv.:
I know all his haunts, and he cannot forbear them long.
