Obs. Also 4–6 forwit. [f. FORE- pref. + WIT.]
1. Fore-knowledge, foresight, prudence.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. V. 166. Seynt Gregorie was a good pope · and had a gode forwit.
1503. Hawes, The Example of Virtue, v. (Arb.), 16.
| At the begynnynge as is expedyent | |
| Than for to wyssh for thynges myspent | |
| That myght be saued longe afore | |
| And with a for wytte kepte in store. |
1546. J. Heywood, Prov. (1867), 15. Yet is one good forewit woorth two after wits.
1631. Gouge, God’s Arrows, III. lix. 292. Had the fore-wit of the Aramites beene as good as their after-wit, many thousands of them had saved their lives.
2. A leading ‘wit,’ a leader in matters of taste or literature.
1637. B. Jonson, Sad Sheph., Prologue, 41.
| Nor that the Fore-Wits, that would draw the rest | |
| Vnto their liking, alwayes like the best. |
