GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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    Forestall , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Forestalled ; p. pr. & vb. n. Forestalling.] [OE. forstallen to stop, to obstruct; to stop (goods) on the way to the market by buying them beforehand, from forstal obstruction, AS. forsteal, foresteall, prop., a placing one's self before another. See Fore, and Stall.]
    1. To take beforehand, or in advance; to anticipate.
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      What need a man forestall his date of grief,
      And run to meet what he would most avoid?
      Milton.

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    2. To take possession of, in advance of some one or something else, to the exclusion or detriment of the latter; to get ahead of; to preoccupy; also, to exclude, hinder, or prevent, by prior occupation, or by measures taken in advance.
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      An ugly serpent which forestalled their way.
      Fairfax.

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      But evermore those damsels did forestall
      Their furious encounter.
      Spenser.

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      To be forestalled ere we come to fall.
      Shak.

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      Habit is a forestalled and obstinate judge.
      Rush.

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    3. To deprive; -- with of. [R.]
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      All the better; may
      This night forestall him of the coming day!
      Shak.

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    4. (Eng. Law) To obstruct or stop up, as a way; to stop the passage of on highway; to intercept on the road, as goods on the way to market.
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      To forestall the market, to buy or contract for merchandise or provision on its way to market, with the intention of selling it again at a higher price; to dissuade persons from bringing their goods or provisions there; or to persuade them to enhance the price when there. This was an offense at law in England until 1844.

      Burrill.

      Syn. -- To anticipate; monopolize; engross.

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