v. Obs. Forms: Pa. t. 3 forheow. Pa. pple. 4–5 forhewen. [OE. forhéawan (f. FOR- pref.1 + héawan to HEW) = OS. forhawan, OHG. furhouwan (MHG. verhouwen, Ger. verhauen).] trans. To hew or cut to pieces.
a. 1000. Byrhtnoth, 115 (Gr.).
| He mid billum wearð, | |
| his swuster sunu, | |
| swiðe forheawen. |
a. 1205. Lay., 4593.
| He for-heow pænne mæst | |
| a-two riht amidden. |
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 899. & eke ys noble aketoun was [al] for-hewe & schente.
c. 1450. Merlin, 234. Er thei were alle ynne ther were many slayn and for hewen.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, VII. xii. They fought two houres and more that their sheldes & theyr hauberkes were al forhewen.
1563. Sackville, Induct. Mirr. Mag., lvii.
| His face forhewed with woundes, and by his side | |
| There hunge his targe with gashes depe and wyde. |
