[f. FOREBODE v. + -ING1.]
1. The action of the vb. FOREBODE; hence, a prediction, presage. (Now only of evil.)
1387. Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), IV. 401. As so as it was by a forbledynge [v.rr. for bedynge, forbodyng] he hadde þat name Seneca.
1618. Bolton, Florus, IV. xii. 320. Marcus Crassus, Generall, tooke the word as a faire foreboding.
1838. Thirlwall, Greece, IV. xxxiv. 357. We have no sure information as to the cause of his banishment; but the more probable account seems to be that which assigns it to one by which the forebodings of Socrates were realised.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., I. ii. 12. Heedless of the forebodings of many prophets of evil weather we set out for Grindelwald.
b. A portent, omen.
1387. Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), VII. 351. Þis Remigius semede nyȝ a wonder forbeddynge [v.rr. forbodyng, vorbodyng] for his body was so lite.
1692. R. L’Estrange, Fables, clxxviii. moral, 149. How are Superstitious Men Hagg’d Out of their Wits and Senses, with the Fancy of Omens, Forebodings, Old Wives Tales and Visions.
1871. Palgrave, Lyr. Poems, 28, ‘Alcestis.’
| And how great Ossa north in shadow lay | |
| Like the foreboding of a coming woe. |
2. A presentiment of something to happen, esp. of approaching or overhanging evil.
1603. Knolles, Hist. Turks (1621), 186. I say no more for greefe, and foreboding of euill fortune.
1799. Sheridan, Pizarro, II. iii. I have tried in vain, and cannot fly from the foreboding which oppresses me.
1883. S. C. Hall, Retrospect, II. 149. She had a foreboding of early death.
