[f. FORE- pref. + SLEEVE.] a. The fore part of a sleeve.
† b. (See quot. 1538.) (obs.). † c. A loose ornamental sleeve formerly worn over the ordinary sleeve (obs.). d. That part of a dress-sleeve which covers the fore-arm.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. V. 81. Of a freres frokke · were þe forsleues.
c. 1513. Inv. Goods Dame Hungerford, in Archæologia (1860), XXXVIII. 372. Item, a doblet of blake satten, the forsleves and the plagarde of tyncell.
1538. Elyot, Dict., Cubitale, a forsleue of a garmente, whiche keuereth the arme from the elbowe downwarde.
1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. VIII. (an. 12), 83. Ruffed sleves with foresleves pendant.
1649. Bury Wills (1850), 221. I give to my sister Fuller my silke gowne and my best crosscloath, handkerchiefe, and paire of foresleeues.
1892. Daily News, 29 July, 3/3. A collar, sash, and foresleeves to match carried out the scheme of colour.
