† forˈgnaw, v. Obs.
[OE. forgnaᵹan, f. for- prefix1 + gnaᵹan to gnaw.]
trans. To gnaw in pieces, eat up; lit. and fig.
| c 1000 ælfric Hom. (Th.) II. 194 Gærstapan forgnoᵹon swa hwæt swa se haᵹol belæfde. a 1225 Ancr. R. 338 Godis god, hwon ich hit do..min vuel hit forgnaweð. c 1290 Altenglische Legenden (Horstmann) I. 161 Somme..hor wreche flesch uor gnowe. c 1325 Body & Soul 269 in Map's Poems 343 Wormes for-gnowen heor alre throte. 1413 Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton 1483) ii. xlv. 24 Somme had feete al forgnawen. |