[f. FORE- pref.]

1

  † 1.  The front part of a dress. Obs.

2

1611.  Cotgr., s.v. Robert, A Doublet whose forebodie is fine stuffe, and the backe parts course.

3

1691.  Islington Wells, 10.

        The Lady by her Manteaus Forebody,
Sure takes a Pride to Dress like no Body.

4

  2.  Naut. (See quots.)

5

1830.  Hedderwick, Marine Archit., 113. Fore-body, every part of the hull before … the dead-flat frame.

6

1867.  Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Fore-body. An imaginary figure of that part of the ship afore the midships or dead-flat, as seen from ahead.

7

1883.  Fortn. Rev., 1 Sept., 324. Thus making the after-body longer and finer than the forebody.

8