I. ˈfȯrd noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old Norse fjǫrthr fjord, Latin portus port, Old English faran to go — more at fare
Date: before 12th century
: a shallow part of a body of water that may be crossed by wading
II. transitive verb
Date: 1614
: to cross (a body of water) by wading
• ford·able ˈfȯr-də-bəl adjective