Obs. [f. FORE- pref. + SPEECH; in OE. foresprǽc, -spǽc.]
1. An introductory speech, a preface.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gloss., Supp., in Wr.-Wülcker, 172. Praefatio, forespæc.
1340. Ayenb., 105. Nou hest þou yherd þe uorespeche of þe holy pater noster.
1578. J. Stockwood, Serm., 24 Aug. 4. I will vse no fore-speech … set out with some Rhetoricall florishe.
1599. Thynne, Animadv. (1875), 5. In your forespeche to the reader, you saye ‘secondly, the texte by written copies corrected.’
1688. R. Holme, Armoury, III. 200/1. Prologue, a Preface or fore-speech, and is that as either opens the state of a Comedy or Fable, or commends it; or else refutes the Objections and Cavils of Adversaries.
2. ? A speaking for or on behalf of.
c. 1300. Cursor M., 28762.
| Or elles in word or werk helpand, | |
| Oþer in for-spece or in consail, | |
| þat mai þe nede oght auail. |
c. 1585. Pilkington, Expos. Nehem., ii. 9. Where God delivered his people by the forespeech of their enemies.
