v. Obs. For forms see CARVE. [OE. forceorfan, f. FOR- pref.1 + ceorfan to CARVE.] trans. To carve or cut asunder, down, in two, out, through; to cut to pieces.

1

O. E. Chron., an. 797. Her Romane Leone þæm papan his tungon forcurfon.

2

c. 1000.  Ælfric, Judith, 23.

                    Þæt heo healfne forcearf
þone sweoran him.

3

c. 1230.  Hali Meid., 11. Meidenhad is te blosme þat beo ha eanes fulliche forcoruen ne spruteð ha neauer eft.

4

13[?].  Coer de L., 1925.

        Seven chains, with his good swerde
Our King for-carf amidward.

5

c. 1386.  [see FORCUT].

6

1460.  Lybeaus Disc., 1323.

        And [he] smot a strok of mayn;
Thorugh Maugys stedes swyre,
And forkarf bon and lyre,
  That heed fell yn the playn.

7