Forward

{ For"ward (?), For"wards (?) }, adv. [AS. forweard, foreweard; for, fore + -weardes; akin to G. vorwärts. The s is properly a genitive ending. See For, Fore, and -ward, -wards.] Toward a part or place before or in front; onward; in advance; progressively; -- opposed to backward.

For"ward (?), n. [OE., fr. AS. foreweard; fore before + weard a ward. See Ward, n.] An agreement; a covenant; a promise. [Obs.]

Tell us a tale anon, as forward is.

For"ward, a. 1. Near, or at the fore part; in advance of something else; as, the forward gun in a ship, or the forward ship in a fleet.

2. Ready; prompt; strongly inclined; in an ill sense, overready; too hasty.

Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

Nor do we find him forward to be sounded.

3. Ardent; eager; earnest; in an ill sense, less reserved or modest than is proper; bold; confident; as, the boy is too forward for his years.

I have known men disagreeably forward from their shyness.

4. Advanced beyond the usual degree; advanced for the season; as, the grass is forward, or forward for the season; we have a forward spring.

The most forward bud
Is eaten by the canker ere it blow.

For"ward (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Forwarded; p. pr. & vb. n. Forwarding.] 1. To help onward; to advance; to promote; to accelerate; to quicken; to hasten; as, to forward the growth of a plant; to forward one in improvement.

2. To send forward; to send toward the place of destination; to transmit; as, to forward a letter.