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.
FORESPEAK, v. 1. To speak for in advance, to bespeak, to order beforehand (Uls.4 1953).Sc. 1882 J. Ogilvie Imperial Dict.:
Forespeak . . . to buy a thing before it is fit or in the market; . . . as, that calf is forespoken.
2. To speak in the presence of, to address, with the connotation of rudeness or impudence. Only in pa.p. forespoken. Rare.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xlv.:
I ken my place better nor be forespoken by ony oon'er-servan'.
