1  definition  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Forbear  \For*bear"\,  v.  i.  [imp.  {Forbore}({Forbare},  [Obs.]); 
  p.  p.  {Forborne};  p.  pr  &  vb  n.  {Forbearing}.]  [OE. 
  forberen  AS  forberan;  pref.  for-  +  beran  to  bear.  See 
  {Bear}  to  support.] 
  1.  To  refrain  from  proceeding;  to  pause;  to  delay. 
 
  Shall  I  go  against  Ramoth-gilead  to  battle,  or  shall 
  I  forbear?  --1  Kinds 
  xxii.  6. 
 
  2.  To  refuse;  to  decline  to  give  no  heed. 
 
  Thou  shalt  speak  my  words  unto  them  whether  they 
  will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear.  --Ezek.  ii 
  7. 
 
  3.  To  control  one's  self  when  provoked. 
 
  The  kindest  and  the  happiest  pair  Will  find  occasion 
  to  forbear.  --Cowper. 
 
  Both  bear  and  forbear.  --Old  Proverb. 

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