I. ˈfō(ə)r, ˈfȯ(ə)r, ˈfōə, ˈfȯ(ə) adverb
Etymology: Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English; akin to Old High German fora, adverb & preposition, before, Gothic faura, adverb & preposition, Old English for, preposition, for, before — more at for
1. obsolete : at an earlier time or period : formerly , previously
2. : in, toward, or adjacent to the front : forward
went fore to check his instruments
the bolt struck fore of the mast
— see fore and aft
II. preposition
also 'fore “
Etymology: Middle English fore
1. now dialect : before
2. : in the presence of — used chiefly in oaths
III. adjective
Etymology: fore-
1. : prior in order of occurrence : previous , former , earlier
during the fore years of the last decade
2. : situated in front of something else : forward
the fore body of a whale
— often contrasted with back and hind
IV. noun
( -s )
: something that occupies a front or anterior position: as
a.
(1) : foremast
(2) : bow V 1
b.
(1) : forequarter
lamb fores are cheap now
(2) : foreleg
a horse lame in his off fore
(3) : fore wing
markings on the hind wing more sober than those on the fore
•
- at the fore
- to the fore
V. interjection
Etymology: probably short for before
— used by a golfer to warn anyone within range of the probable line of flight of his ball