† forˈworth, v. Obs.
[OE. forweorðan str. vb., f. for- prefix1 + weorðan to become (see worth v.); cf. OHG. farwerdan.
In early northern ME. occasionally conjugated weak.]
1. intr. To perish, come to nought, go wrong.
| c 1000 Ags. Gosp. Matt. xxvi. 52 Mid swurde hiᵹ for⁓wurþað. c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 109 Þurh his ahȝene ehte forwurð a on echnesse. c 1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 155 Sum [sed] ful among þornes, and forwarð. c 1220 Bestiary 175 If ðu hauest is broken Al ðu forbreðes, forwurðes and forȝelues. a 1300 E.E. Psalter lxxxii. 9 [lxxxiii. 10] Þai forworthed in Endor. 1340 Hampole Pr. Consc. 780 His werkes for⁓worthes þat he bygynnes. |
2. To degenerate into, become (something inferior).
| a 1225 Ancr. R. 370 Þeo þet schulden one lecnen hore soule..uorwurðeð fisiciens & licomes leche. Ibid. 422 Ancre ne schal nout forwurðen scolmeistre. |