[f. FORE- pref. + YARD1.] The yard or court in front of a building.

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1388.  Wyclif, Ezek. x. 4. The halle [v.r. forȝrde; L. atrium].

2

1420–30.  Lay-Folks’ Prayer Bk. (E.E.T.S.), 46. In the forȝerdis of the hous of oure God.

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1699.  S. Sewall, Diary, 21 June (1878), I. 498. A Pack of Cards are found strawed over my fore-yard, which, tis supposed, some might throw there to mock me.

4

1741.  Richardson, Pamela, II. 288. She would not come in, but sat fretting on a Seat in the Fore-yard, with her Woman by her.

5

1860.  J. White, Hist. France (ed. 2), 90. Where gentle lawns sloping downward from the door must be converted into a foreyard, crossed by a drawbridge, and enclosed within high walls.

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