† ˈforespeech Obs.
[f. fore- prefix + speech; in OE. foresprǽc, -spǽc.]
1. An introductory speech, a preface.
| c 1000 ælfric Gloss. Supp. in Wr.-Wülcker 172 Praefatio, forespæc. 1340 Ayenb. 105 Nou hest þou yherd þe uore⁓speche of þe holy pater noster. 1578 J. Stockwood Serm. 24 Aug. 4, I will vse no fore-speech..set out with some Rhetoricall florishe. 1599 Thynne Animadv. (1875) 5 In your forespeche to the reader, yo{supu} saye [etc.]. 1688 R. Holme Armoury iii. 200/1 A Prologue, Preface or fore⁓speech..opens the state of a Comedy or Fable. |
2. ? A speaking for or on behalf of.
| c 1300 Cursor M. 28762 Or elles in word or werk helpand, oþer in for-spece or in consail, þat mai þe nede oght auail. c 1585 Pilkington Expos. Nehem. ii. 9 Where God delivered his people by the forespeech of their enemies. |