[f. as prec. + -ED2.]
†1. Having a forehand (see FOREHAND B. 2); ‘formed in the foreparts’ (J.). Usually with a defining adj. or adv. Said of horses, and transf. Obs.
1591. Greene, Farew. Folly, Wks. (Grosart), IX. 327. The Gentleman is well forehanded and well foreheaded.
1614. Markham, Cheap Husb., I. i. (1615), 5. If you furnish your draught with Mares to breed, obserue in any wise to haue them faire fore-handed, that is, good head, necke, breast and shoulders.
1680. Lond Gaz., No. 1489/4. A dark brown Gelding … lofty Forehanded.
2. Looking to the forehand (see prec. B. 1); careful as to the future, prudent, thrifty. Now only U.S.
1650. Jer. Taylor, Holy Living (1727), 12. If by thus doing you have not secured your time by an early and forehanded care, yet be sure by a timely diligence to redeem the time.
1777. J. Adams, Wks. (1854), IX. 454. Here and there a farmer and a tradesman, who is forehanded and frugal enough to make more money than he has occasion to spend.
1870. Lowell, Study Wind., 76. But what does he himself, like a true Scot, admire in the Hohenzollerns? First of all, that they were canny, a thrifty, forehanded race.
b. That has made provision for the future; in easy circumstances, ‘well-to-do.’ Now only U.S.
1658. Gurnall, Chr. in Arm., II. 576. They that are fore-handed, are willing to give time, and able to forbear long.
1828. Webster, Forehanded … 2. In America, in good circumstances as to property.
1837–40. Haliburton, Clockm. (1862), 132. Blue-nose always takes keer to have a big house, cause it shows a big man, and one that’s considerable forehanded, and pretty well to do in the world.
1851. S. Judd, Margaret, ix. (1871), 47. Mr. Palmer was in popular phrase a forehanded man, his house and barns were large, and his grounds indicated thrift.
1883. Mrs. Rollins, New Eng. Bygones, 156. The wives of ‘forehanded’ farmers and professional men were apt to be somewhat exalted, or, in the speech of the times, ‘looked up to.’
