GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found one definition

1.       
   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.]
   To take beforehand, or in advance; to anticipate.
   1913 Webster
   What need a man forestall his date of grief,
   And run to meet what he would most avoid?
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   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.
   1913 Webster
   An ugly serpent which forestalled their way.
   Fairfax.
   
   1913 Webster
   But evermore those damsels did forestall
   Their furious encounter.
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster
   To be forestalled ere we come to fall.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Habit is a forestalled and obstinate judge.
   Rush.
   
   1913 Webster
   To deprive; -- with of. [R.]
   1913 Webster
   All the better; may
   This night forestall him of the coming day!
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   (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.
   1913 Webster
   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.
   1913 Webster