v. Obs. For forms see BURN. [α. OE. forbęrnan (trans.) = OHG. ferbrennan (Ger. verbrennen). β. OE. forbeornan, -byrnan str. (intr.) = OHG. farprinnan.]
1. trans. To destroy, torture, or injure by burning.
O. E. Chron., an. 685. Mul was Ceadwallan broþur · & þone mon eft on Cent forbærnde.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Exod. iii. 3. Ic ga and ȝeseo þas miclan ȝesihðe, hwi þeos þyrne ne si forbærned.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 27. He mahte iseon ane berninde glede þet hine al for-bernað þurut to cole.
1297. R. Glouc. (1724), 378. Seyn Poules chyrche of Londone was ek verbarnd þo.
a. 1400. Octouian, 215.
| Hys modyr seyde, ‘With ryght sche schall | |
| Be all for-brent.’ |
c. 1440. Jacob’s Well, 10. Whanne he was al for-rostyd, fryed, & scaldyd, & þus for-brent, he roryd as a deuyl for peyne.
2. intr. To burn, be burnt, or consumed. Also, To be on fire. lit. and fig.
Beowulf, 1667 (Gr.). Forbarn, broȝdenmæl.
c. 893. K. Ælfred, Oros., VI. i. Com micel fyrbryne on Romeburȝ, þæt þærbinnan forburnon xv tunas.
a. 1250. Owl & Night., 419. Vor thu forbernest wel neȝ for onde.
a. 1350. Legends of the Holy Rood (1871), 23. Euerich stude þat we on stepten · for brende al wiþ vre fete.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 3286. Sone ous tyd her for-brenne wyþ sorȝe & deshonour.
