The Collaborative International Dictionary
Forbear \For*bear"\ (f[o^]r*b[^a]r"), 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.]
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To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?
--1 Kings xxii. 6. -
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. -
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.
Wiktionary
vb. (context archaic English) (en-simple past of: forbear)
Usage examples of "forbare".
But ever Sir Launcelot, and his three kinsmen by the commandment of Sir Launcelot, forbare Sir Tristram.
And the book saith he had lain in await for to steal away the queen, but evermore he forbare for because of Sir Launcelot.
Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.