v. Obs. [f. FOR- pref.1 + SLACK v.]
1. intr. To be or grow slack; to pall. rare.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 23793 (Cott.).
| We wreches wit vr will for-sakes, | |
| þat selenes þat neuer for-slakes. |
1579. Tomson, Calvin’s Serm. Tim., 223/2. The tentations whiche sinne hath wrought, may in no wise make vs worse or forslake in our calling, but rather flirt vs vppe so much the more to do our duetie.
2. trans. To be slack in, neglect; to lose or spoil by slackness or delay. Also with inf. as obj.
1563–87. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 62/1. Bicause … we foreslacke our praieng, or be not so vigilant therein as we should. Ibid., 77/2. The Officiall thinking to foreslacke no time, takinng counsell with his fellowes, laide handes vppon this Peter, and brought him before the inquisitor.
1594. Carew, Tasso (1881), 27.
| He spitefull warie is, ne ought foreslackes | |
| Hierusalem with new force to supply, | |
| On three sides strong before no helpe it lackes, | |
| Onely the North part least assur’d doth lye. |
1596. Spenser, F. Q., VII. vii. 45.
| But they were Virgins all, and loue eschewed, | |
| That might forslack the charge to them foreshewed. |
1636. Featley, Clavis Myst., xxi. 266. Be not negligent, nor fore slacke thy opportunity.
1660. H. More, An Explanation of the Grand Mystery of Godliness, V. xvii. 210–1. I do not see that it is impossible or improbable but this Prophecie of the Churches change into so excellent a state may be foreslacked by the ill management and faithlesness of them from whom God more peculiarly exepcts that they should be industrious Labourers in this white Harvest of Apostolick Purity and Sanctity.
Hence Forslacking vbl. sb., delay, hesitation.
1600. Holland, Livy, XLII. lvii. (1609), 1148. The Romanes likewise for their parts were of opinion, that all forslacking now would greatly prejudice their reputation among the confederates, who tooke it exceedingly to the heart, that they had not succoured the Pheraeans.
