[f. FORE- + HOLD sb.]
† 1. The action of holding on in front; advance.
1641. H. Best, Rural Economy in Yorkshire in 1641 (Surtees), 12. Aboute the middle of Aprill, when the fields have gotten some foreholde, they carry them [sheep] further from hoame.
2. Naut. (See quot. 1867).
1790. Beatson, trans. Nav. & Mil. Mem., II. 322. He ordered all the larboard guns to the starboard side, started thirty tons of water in the fore-hold to lighten her forward, and employed all his boats in endeavouring to tow her off.
1835. Sir J. Ross, Narr. 2nd Voy., vii. 94. The forehold was restowed, and made ready for receiving additional provisions.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Fore-hold. The part of the hold before the fore hatchway.
1884. Sir R. Couch, in Law Rep., 9 App. Cases, 422. The master improperly loaded the forehold of the steamer so as to cause the bow of it to sink.
