Obs. Forms: 5–8 forset, (6 forcet, forsset), 6–8 fosset, 6–7 forcet. [? shortened form of FORCELET2.] A little ‘forcer’ or chest.

1

1426.  E. E. Wills (1882), 70–1. Þe forset that Thomas Essexie wot where is.

2

1548.  Thomas, Ital. Gram. (1567), N ij b. Forciere, a forset or a little coafer.

3

1577–87.  Holinshed, Chron., II. 590. Entered the house by force, and assailing certeine moonks and seruants that belonged to the abbat, did beat, wound, and euill intreat them, brake open a number of chests, coffers, and forssets.

4

1656.  in Blount, Glossogr.

5

1721–92.  in Bailey.

6