For‐bear″ (fŏr‐bâr″), v. i. [imp.Forbore (?) (Forbare (�),); 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 Kings 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.