stem of prec. used in derivatives; as † Forgiveful a. [see -FUL], full of forgiveness; ready to forgive. Forgiveless a. [see -LESS], disinclined to forgive; unforgiving, † Forȝivelich a. ME. (OE. forȝifenlic) [see -LY1], likely to be forgiven; pardonable, venial.

1

c. 1000.  Ags. Gosp., Matt. xi. 24. Ic secȝe eow, Ðæt Sodumwara lande byð forȝyfenlicre on domes dæȝ, þonne ȝe.

2

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 346. O sunne uorȝiuelich mei beon ful deadlich.

3

1563.  Man, Musculus’ Commonpl., 126 a. If bothe these to gether maye bee reported with prayse of a good Prynce, that he is iuste, and that he is also forgeuefull and mercyfull, howe much more maye they bee so reported of God, whiche hath moste free power ouer all thynges?

4

1861.  Temple Bar Mag., I. Feb., 356.

        They live their lives, forgotten and dead,
  Forgiveless and unforgiven.

5