Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Forbear \For*bear"\, 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.]
   1. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.

            Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall
            I forbear?                            --1 Kinds
                                                  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.