What is "forgone"

Forgo \For*go"\, v. t. [imp. Forwent; p. p. Forgone; p. pr. & vb. n. Forgoing.] [OE. forgan, forgon, forgoon, AS. forg[=a]n, prop., to go past, hence, to abstain from; pref. for- + g[=a]n to go; akin to G. vergehen to pass away, to transgress. See Go, v. i.]

1. To pass by; to leave. See 1st Forego.

   For sith [since] I shall forgoon my liberty At your request.
   --Chaucer.

   And four [days] since Florimell the court forwent.
   --Spenser.

2. to abstain from; to do without; to refrain from; to renounce; -- said of a thing already enjoyed, or of one within reach, or anticipated. See 1st forego, 2.

   Note: This word in spelling has been confused with, and almost superseded by, forego to go before. Etymologically the form forgo is correct.

vb. (past participle of forgo English)

See forgo

1. v. do without or cease to hold or adhere to; "We are dispensing with formalities"; "relinquish the old ideas" [syn: waive, relinquish, foreswear, dispense with]

2. lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime [syn: forfeit, give up, throw overboard, waive] [ant: claim]

3. refrain from consuming; "You will have to forgo alcohol" [syn: give up]

4. [also: forwent, forgone]