v. Obs. [f. FOR- pref.1 + SEEK.] trans. To seek thoroughly, seek out.
a. 1300. Sarmun, 49, in E. E. P. (1862), 2.
| Þe wiked wede þat was abute | |
| þe wormis þat hit habbiþ al for-soȝt | |
| Alas whar of is man so prute | |
| when al is pride sal turne to noȝte. |
1584. Greene, Carde of Fancie, Wks. (Grosart), IV. 161. Hast thou bene so trained vp in trecherie, or is thy minde so spotted with villanie, as to repaie my Fathers good will with such barbarous ingratitude, and to deuise his destruction which simply foresought thy preferment?
1614. J. Davies, Eclog., 98 Wks. (Grosart), II. 20/1.
| Vartue it’s sed (and is an old said saw) | |
| Is for hur selfe, to be forsought alone: | |
| Then eftsoones fro their case thy shrill pipes draw, | |
| And make the welkin ringen with their tone. |
b. To weary (oneself) with seeking.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 17596.
| Þair sandes come again vn-spedd | |
| Þai war for-soght þam vp and dun. |
