† foreˈspeaker Obs.
[f. forespeak v. + -er1.]
1. One who speaks for another; an advocate. (The later examples are Sc.)
| c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 83 Þes Mon bi-com uorspeker. 13.. in Rel. Ant. II. 229 Come, shuppere, Holy Gost..Thou that art cleped vorspekere. 1427 Sc. Acts Jas. I (1814) II. 16 Consalers & forspekars nedful til his caus. 1533 Bellenden Livy ii. (1822) 183 The hous of Fabis..made Ceso Fabius, consul, to be forespekare for thaim. 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 12 The defender, nor his forespeaker sould nocht be challenged be anie petition of the persewer. 1768 Ross Helenore (1789) 104 She..nae forspeakers has her cause to ca'. |
2. One who speaks first; the leader of a meeting.
| 1552 Huloet, Forespeaker, or whych speaketh firste, antiloquus. 1745 Wesley Wks. (1830) I. 491 A congregation so..noisy, encouraged thereto by their forespeaker, a drunken alehouse keeper. |
3. Sc. The foreman of a jury.
| a 1600 Aberd. Reg. (Jam.). |